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S-Squad #6
Operation Syria
A trip to a war zone to rescue trapped archaeologists finds the S-Squad in a remote desert region of lost cities and temples. They quickly discover that they are not alone among the ruins.
First they find the bodies, then they find the webs, then they're in real trouble when the spiders attack.
Big spiders.
Lots of them.
First they find the bodies, then they find the webs, then they're in real trouble when the spiders attack.
Big spiders.
Lots of them.
140 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 2019
217 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
William Meikle
407 books1,849 followersI'm a Scottish writer, now living in Canada, with more than thirty novels published in the genre press and over 300 short story credits in thirteen countries.
My work has appeared in a number of professional anthologies and I have recent short story sales to NATURE Futures and Galaxy's Edge. When I'm not writing I play guitar, drink beer and dream of fortune and glory.
For an intro to me, my writing and my accent see my Youtube channel
My work has appeared in a number of professional anthologies and I have recent short story sales to NATURE Futures and Galaxy's Edge. When I'm not writing I play guitar, drink beer and dream of fortune and glory.
For an intro to me, my writing and my accent see my Youtube channel
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 21, 2023
Captain Banks and a reinforced S-squad are sent to Syria to assist some archaeologists who they think has been attacked by rebels in the Syrian desert, and are only half right.
Once landing they soon discover that this mission is once again their thing when they come up against giant spiders, some as big as cars that devour everything in their path. The book is fast-paced like the other books in the series and the new members are just briefly introduced with no character development as usual. This book felt a lot the first one in the series, Infestation, in its outlay. Still what I have come to expect of these books and was an easy read to end the year off with.
Once landing they soon discover that this mission is once again their thing when they come up against giant spiders, some as big as cars that devour everything in their path. The book is fast-paced like the other books in the series and the new members are just briefly introduced with no character development as usual. This book felt a lot the first one in the series, Infestation, in its outlay. Still what I have come to expect of these books and was an easy read to end the year off with.
December 18, 2023
Mayhem!
The S-Squad is always into something. This time they are sent to Syria to rescue some missing archeologists.
Captain Banks and his team are increased by three new members. They are tired and need a vacation, but a rest break is not what they are getting.
But they aren’t getting a normal rescue mission either. Giant spiders are waiting for them.
The fight is on.
Four stars. 💫💫💫💫
The S-Squad is always into something. This time they are sent to Syria to rescue some missing archeologists.
Captain Banks and his team are increased by three new members. They are tired and need a vacation, but a rest break is not what they are getting.
But they aren’t getting a normal rescue mission either. Giant spiders are waiting for them.
The fight is on.
Four stars. 💫💫💫💫
July 10, 2019
Another adventure featuring Captain Banks and the S-Squad. This time Killer Spiders...and not the little kind. Some of bad boys are the size of cars or bigger! The S-Squad is on the run once again. Pretty much all action. These S-Squad stories are short and not full of personalization. They never seem to catch a break. Mission after mission. Still, I like these stories and will continue to read them.
February 7, 2019
I've read all six books in this series, and this one is easily the creepiest since S-Squad #1: 'Infestation', and my favorite since then.
The specific monsters this time (big, nasty spiders) should easily cause you a sleepless night, ... or more.
But as always, the main attraction here is the Team. Our boys are back together again: Banks, Hynd and Wiggins, with 3 new recruits. There's plenty of smokin', shootin', and playful banter, with some archaeology and history thrown in as a bonus.
Their situation looks dire. But with these chaps, that's just another day at the office.
A fun, creepy, enjoyable read.
Truly hoping the author has ideas enough for a few more.
The specific monsters this time (big, nasty spiders) should easily cause you a sleepless night, ... or more.
But as always, the main attraction here is the Team. Our boys are back together again: Banks, Hynd and Wiggins, with 3 new recruits. There's plenty of smokin', shootin', and playful banter, with some archaeology and history thrown in as a bonus.
Their situation looks dire. But with these chaps, that's just another day at the office.
A fun, creepy, enjoyable read.
Truly hoping the author has ideas enough for a few more.
May 20, 2019
The characters are, as always, simple-yet-interesting. The squad dynamics have some detail to them, particularly with the new recruits added. The living members of the archeological team are strong and interesting, particularly Maggie Boyd. And, as always, Wiggins is the comedian of the group who brings the occasional needed laugh that keeps the squad from getting overwhelmed.
There’s a nice added bit of archeological interest to this volume, including ancient tunnels and mosaics depicting Romans fighting giant spiders. The hostage crisis gives us the chance to see how the spiders can take on an entire town. (Content warning for child death.) And the sheer number of spiders–oh my! This fight won’t be easy on our heroes!
These books are fairly short and simple, but are wonderful examples of the military-vs.-monsters genre. They’re brief and seriously enjoyable–kind of like candy–and I can’t wait for more!
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/05/r...
There’s a nice added bit of archeological interest to this volume, including ancient tunnels and mosaics depicting Romans fighting giant spiders. The hostage crisis gives us the chance to see how the spiders can take on an entire town. (Content warning for child death.) And the sheer number of spiders–oh my! This fight won’t be easy on our heroes!
These books are fairly short and simple, but are wonderful examples of the military-vs.-monsters genre. They’re brief and seriously enjoyable–kind of like candy–and I can’t wait for more!
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/05/r...
May 8, 2025
So nach 5 Bänden, die sehr querbeet zwischen sehr scheiße und ganz unterhaltsam rangieren, hab ich jetzt den 6ten einfach mal auf Englisch gelesen. Und ich muss sagen, sie sind ein klein wenig besser. Hauptsächlich wiel das S-Squad aus England kommt und zur Hälfte Schotten drin hat. So sind die Flüche auf brittisch und schottisch wirklich ziemlich witzig und schwer zu übersetzen.
Zeitgleich war der 6te Band auch wieder ein wenig besser - Monsterspinnen sind ja immer gut, gepaart mit einer Gruppe Archäologen und Ruinen? Japp, war ganz witzig und unterhaltsam. Im englischen sind mir die vielen Wiederholungen auch nicht so sehr aufgefallen, wie im Deutschen.
Zeitgleich war der 6te Band auch wieder ein wenig besser - Monsterspinnen sind ja immer gut, gepaart mit einer Gruppe Archäologen und Ruinen? Japp, war ganz witzig und unterhaltsam. Im englischen sind mir die vielen Wiederholungen auch nicht so sehr aufgefallen, wie im Deutschen.
December 30, 2022
eight legs and a lot of eyes
Syria is the 6th S-Squad book, and it doesn’t disappoint! If you’re caught up so far, don’t stop now! Awesome
Syria is the 6th S-Squad book, and it doesn’t disappoint! If you’re caught up so far, don’t stop now! Awesome
January 30, 2021
Operation Syria finds Captain John Banks and his S-Squad soldiers dropped into the desert to rescue some trapped British archaeologists caught up in a hostile war zone. However, this is no simple evacuation mission as the brave team soon find themselves battling giant carnivorous spiders in another fast-paced Boys Own adventure from talented author William Meikle. Operation Syria is the sixth book in the growing S-Squad series but rather than running out of steam I actually think this is one of the most action-packed and satisfying stories in the collection. Most readers will identify with a fear and dread of spiders so by mixing that primal fear with a thrilling run, shoot and hide scenario I think this book hits the jackpot. Anyone looking for some much-needed escapism in these desperate times should not hesitate to pick up this spellbinding novel. Just for information there’s no need to read any of the previous books in the series first but for those who might be interested I would also highly recommend all the other earlier novels in the S-Squad collection.
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March 7, 2024Another cracking read. This time, the boys are up against giant spiders. Exciting, gory but most of all fun.
October 14, 2022
Captain Banks had been about to ask his commanding officer for some leave for their team after they had come through a number of bizarre missions in a very short timeframe. Instead, Captain Banks is told his team is needed to leave for Syria – immediately – to rescue a group of archaeologists who have issued an emergency call after being attacked by rebels. Banks and the S-Squad gear up, hoping this will be a quick in and out, but they quickly discover that the rebels are the least of their concerns.
I have read a number of these books and always find them a delightful romp of a tale. On the shorter side of a full-length novel, I’ve found they are always quick into the action with plenty of large-scale monsters, a bunch of energy, plenty of sweary Scottish squaddies and a dollop or two of fun and plot. They are easy to read, and I love the authors tone and pace – I’ve always found them quick and a delight to read. They’re an adventurous blast in so many ways I love them. If you’re a fan of B grade “monster” movies this is an excellent series to sink your teeth into.
There is always an interesting amount of character growth in these stories, but I have to be honest the characters are more the vessels for the plot and storyline – not the driving force. This time the monster-of-the-day is enormous spiders and I enjoyed how the author meshed this with the archaeologists and the dig they were working on. While the plot wasn’t overly convoluted, that wasn’t what I wanted or needed for this story and I absolutely felt that the balance between action, monsters and the characters (both the archaeologists and the S-Squad team) was really well handled.
Switch off your brain, grab a drink then relax and enjoy this fast paced, fun and light story. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to dig into the next.
I have read a number of these books and always find them a delightful romp of a tale. On the shorter side of a full-length novel, I’ve found they are always quick into the action with plenty of large-scale monsters, a bunch of energy, plenty of sweary Scottish squaddies and a dollop or two of fun and plot. They are easy to read, and I love the authors tone and pace – I’ve always found them quick and a delight to read. They’re an adventurous blast in so many ways I love them. If you’re a fan of B grade “monster” movies this is an excellent series to sink your teeth into.
There is always an interesting amount of character growth in these stories, but I have to be honest the characters are more the vessels for the plot and storyline – not the driving force. This time the monster-of-the-day is enormous spiders and I enjoyed how the author meshed this with the archaeologists and the dig they were working on. While the plot wasn’t overly convoluted, that wasn’t what I wanted or needed for this story and I absolutely felt that the balance between action, monsters and the characters (both the archaeologists and the S-Squad team) was really well handled.
Switch off your brain, grab a drink then relax and enjoy this fast paced, fun and light story. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to dig into the next.
December 2, 2024
After several tough missions, S Squad were looking forward to some rest but the Colonel sends them on a rescue mission to find a group of archaeologists missing in Syria, who may have been taken by local rebels for ransom. However as soon as they arrive, the team find a dead body cocooned in a spider web that indicates something very big. It soon becomes clear that as well as searching for the main group of hostages, they will also have to protect trapped people hiding at their dig site from something much worse.
S Squad have been given three new soldiers to fix their depleted ranks after losing men in Antarctica and at their recent mission at Loch Ness. Wiggins promotion is somewhat bittersweet under the circumstances but he devotes him time to trying to keep an eye on the new recruits to the squad. It was interesting to see if the three would make the grade and survive the adventure or be cannon fodder for the deadly spiders in this hell they get dropped in to. Brock, Wilkins and Davies had no idea what they were getting into.
I liked the setting for this one, exploring the deserted town, imagining what the dig site looked like. The harsh desert environment is tough on the men but entertaining for the reader as the team navigate the streets and buildings pursued by hairy horrors. The attacks on them are never quite the same twice, with danger from the spider venom, the strength of the webs and the speed and number of the massive critters.
One of the things I find amusing about the team is there is always something to complain about, whether it's freezing cold weather in Siberia or the sticky humid heat of the desert, but considering how bad their missions get, you feel sorry for them each time. Spiders are my biggest fear in the world and to be honest, the cover of the book alone could give me nightmares. I don't mind reading about them but I cannot stand looking at them. As you can see, the cover is pretty horrific for spider phobes like me.
There was certainly a lot of tension in this book, both in the hiding from the spiders, the nervous search for the hostages, the chase scenes and then the attempted escape. It was a fast paced adventure as usual and one of the best in the series so far.
S Squad have been given three new soldiers to fix their depleted ranks after losing men in Antarctica and at their recent mission at Loch Ness. Wiggins promotion is somewhat bittersweet under the circumstances but he devotes him time to trying to keep an eye on the new recruits to the squad. It was interesting to see if the three would make the grade and survive the adventure or be cannon fodder for the deadly spiders in this hell they get dropped in to. Brock, Wilkins and Davies had no idea what they were getting into.
I liked the setting for this one, exploring the deserted town, imagining what the dig site looked like. The harsh desert environment is tough on the men but entertaining for the reader as the team navigate the streets and buildings pursued by hairy horrors. The attacks on them are never quite the same twice, with danger from the spider venom, the strength of the webs and the speed and number of the massive critters.
One of the things I find amusing about the team is there is always something to complain about, whether it's freezing cold weather in Siberia or the sticky humid heat of the desert, but considering how bad their missions get, you feel sorry for them each time. Spiders are my biggest fear in the world and to be honest, the cover of the book alone could give me nightmares. I don't mind reading about them but I cannot stand looking at them. As you can see, the cover is pretty horrific for spider phobes like me.
There was certainly a lot of tension in this book, both in the hiding from the spiders, the nervous search for the hostages, the chase scenes and then the attempted escape. It was a fast paced adventure as usual and one of the best in the series so far.
March 29, 2021
Spiders and spiders and...spiders, oh my! As a certifiable arachniphobic, I approached this book with a bit of trepidation. I had not read any of the previous books in this series so had no real background in the characters. In brief, the squad is called to rescue a team of archaeologists held prisoner in Syria. What they find upon arrival is a horror beyond imagining. Yes, there are spiders, but not your everyday garden variety. These critters are the size of dogs, and bigger, and they eat anything or anyone they can find.
There is plenty of action here but not a lot of character development. Perhaps that happened in the earlier books. I don't know. If you like serious literature you won't find it here but if you like lots of shoot em up action, this is the read for you.
I had a wee bit of a bollux with the Scottish dialogue but that doesn't diminish the overall enjoyment of the read. I'll read more from this author.
There is plenty of action here but not a lot of character development. Perhaps that happened in the earlier books. I don't know. If you like serious literature you won't find it here but if you like lots of shoot em up action, this is the read for you.
I had a wee bit of a bollux with the Scottish dialogue but that doesn't diminish the overall enjoyment of the read. I'll read more from this author.
June 23, 2025
Giant Freaking Spiders
The best S-Squad story so far. An archeological dig in Syria needs help and when Cap and the rest of the squad show up things happen rapidly. They thought it was a rebel group that attacked and kidnapped most of the dig party but it wasn't. Enormous spiders had got some of them. The small town a short distance away has been wiped out by the creatures along with the captured dig crew. The book is all about surviving until their helicopter can get there. Exploring ancient ruins, running from spiders,some as big as a tank. And finding ways to kill the things take up the rest of the book. Fast pa,ed and a lot of action makes this a fun little read.
The best S-Squad story so far. An archeological dig in Syria needs help and when Cap and the rest of the squad show up things happen rapidly. They thought it was a rebel group that attacked and kidnapped most of the dig party but it wasn't. Enormous spiders had got some of them. The small town a short distance away has been wiped out by the creatures along with the captured dig crew. The book is all about surviving until their helicopter can get there. Exploring ancient ruins, running from spiders,some as big as a tank. And finding ways to kill the things take up the rest of the book. Fast pa,ed and a lot of action makes this a fun little read.
May 26, 2022
Least favourite so far. The lack of explanation bugged (pun intended) me with this one. Maggie pointed out that spiders can't grow that big because their structure just doesn't allow for it but there's never any clue as to how they managed it. In the previous books there's always been at least a bit of an explanation. Hope Davies sticks around for the later books but to be honest Wilkins has even less personality than most of the cast and the similarity between "Wiggins" and "Wilkins" keeps confusing my poor eyes so I'd be obliged if he didn't make a return.
June 17, 2019
About what you'd expect from this series. Quick to the action, hints of the supernatural creature's origins, but nothing concrete. Lots of historical cases and cool artifacts, but no meat to the story. Great monster killing action, but I WOULD LOVE deeper exposition. Double or triple the length and go into the Romans, the Persians, and the Babylonian encounters with the spider monsters. PLEASE!!
July 13, 2022
As with all of the S-Squad stories, it’s a book which demands you switch your brain off, break out the popcorn and ignore the gaping plot holes. I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this one, as giant spiders really don’t have much interest for me, but Mr. Meikle manages to make a fun plot and a fast-paced rollercoaster of a read.
February 12, 2019
MY FAVORITE FIRE TEAM RIDES AGAIN....
Hello, you have to love the S-Squad. They are some real characters and ,boy, do they get into the worst spots. I love em. Please keep them coming. Thanks.
Hello, you have to love the S-Squad. They are some real characters and ,boy, do they get into the worst spots. I love em. Please keep them coming. Thanks.
December 13, 2020
S Squad are sent on a routine mission to extract some archeologists, but nothing is ever routine for them. With a few new team members, the squad arrive to find the area infested with giant spiders, who are now cutting off escape routes. Good story as usual that moves at a nice pace.
February 21, 2019
Great story
The most enjoyable S-Squad book so far and they’ve all been good. Action packed right up until the final page. Highly recommended.
The most enjoyable S-Squad book so far and they’ve all been good. Action packed right up until the final page. Highly recommended.
April 27, 2019
My favorite of the series thus far. Big spiders in the desert. Nuff said.
June 23, 2019
The best one yet....hate spiders.....but really liked this book
October 14, 2019
Another awesome read/series
April 6, 2021
Excellent!!
Fast paced, constant action, zero downtime. Don't try to sleep if you start this book. Another home run for this prolific author. Bravo! Highly recommend!!
Fast paced, constant action, zero downtime. Don't try to sleep if you start this book. Another home run for this prolific author. Bravo! Highly recommend!!
December 20, 2021
Great book
I hated spiders before I read this, now I really hate spiders. Very good story with good characters. Lots of action and suspense. I recommend reading this book.
I hated spiders before I read this, now I really hate spiders. Very good story with good characters. Lots of action and suspense. I recommend reading this book.
September 27, 2022
Awesome read
Page Turner. Didn't want to put it down. I really enjoy reading his books fast paced with good character development. Plus not a lot of empty fillers
Page Turner. Didn't want to put it down. I really enjoy reading his books fast paced with good character development. Plus not a lot of empty fillers
February 13, 2023
Spiders. Really big spiders. Too big. Arachnophobes beware.
April 14, 2025
Spider are gross, but this book doesn't give the typical creepy crawly feeling others do.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews