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Ryan Decker #2
The Raid
A Border Patrol murder exposes a high-level conspiracy in USA Today bestselling author Steven Konkoly’s explosive thriller.
After exposing and dismantling a deep-state conspiracy that nearly destroyed his life, Ryan Decker finds his covert skills have put him on the radar of influential Senator Steele. Now Steele needs his help. Two patrol agents were killed in a bizarre explosion near the US-Mexico border—and the evidence doesn’t line up with the official story.
Enlisted by Steele to run an undercover, off-the-books investigation, Decker and his partner, Harlow, head to the border town of Tecate. But when they’re caught in an ambush, Decker realizes they’ve stumbled onto something far more dangerous than any of them understood.
The cover-up is rooted deep in the Department of Defense itself. Fearful for their own lives and unable to trust anyone outside their small circle of skilled associates, Decker and Harlow set in motion a risky plan to stop a criminal conspiracy.
After exposing and dismantling a deep-state conspiracy that nearly destroyed his life, Ryan Decker finds his covert skills have put him on the radar of influential Senator Steele. Now Steele needs his help. Two patrol agents were killed in a bizarre explosion near the US-Mexico border—and the evidence doesn’t line up with the official story.
Enlisted by Steele to run an undercover, off-the-books investigation, Decker and his partner, Harlow, head to the border town of Tecate. But when they’re caught in an ambush, Decker realizes they’ve stumbled onto something far more dangerous than any of them understood.
The cover-up is rooted deep in the Department of Defense itself. Fearful for their own lives and unable to trust anyone outside their small circle of skilled associates, Decker and Harlow set in motion a risky plan to stop a criminal conspiracy.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2019
4361 people are currently reading
2097 people want to read
About the author
Steven Konkoly
70 books1,228 followersSteven graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1993, receiving a bachelor of science in English literature. He served the next eight years on active duty, traveling the world as a naval officer assigned to various Navy and Marine Corps units. His extensive journey spanned the globe, including a two-year tour of duty in Japan and travel to more than twenty countries throughout Asia and the Middle East.
From enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq as a maritime boarding officer in the Arabian Gulf, to directing aircraft bombing runs and naval gunfire strikes as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) assigned to a specialized Marine Corps unit, Steven's "in-house" experience with a wide range of regular and elite military units brings a unique authenticity to his thrillers.
He still wakes up at "zero dark thirty" to write for most of the day. When "off duty," he spends as much time as possible outdoors or travelling with his family--and dog.
Steven is the bestselling author of ten novels and several novellas, including a commissioned trilogy of novellas based on the popular Wayward Pines series. His canon of work includes the popular Black Flagged Series, a gritty, no-holds barred covert operations and espionage saga; The Perseid Collapse series, a post-apocalyptic thriller epic chronicling the events surrounding an inconceivable attack on the United States; and The Fractured State series, a near future, dystopian thriller trilogy set in the drought ravaged southwest
You can contact Steven directly by email (stevekonkoly@striblingmedia.com) or through his blog (www.stevenkonkoly.com).
From enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq as a maritime boarding officer in the Arabian Gulf, to directing aircraft bombing runs and naval gunfire strikes as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) assigned to a specialized Marine Corps unit, Steven's "in-house" experience with a wide range of regular and elite military units brings a unique authenticity to his thrillers.
He still wakes up at "zero dark thirty" to write for most of the day. When "off duty," he spends as much time as possible outdoors or travelling with his family--and dog.
Steven is the bestselling author of ten novels and several novellas, including a commissioned trilogy of novellas based on the popular Wayward Pines series. His canon of work includes the popular Black Flagged Series, a gritty, no-holds barred covert operations and espionage saga; The Perseid Collapse series, a post-apocalyptic thriller epic chronicling the events surrounding an inconceivable attack on the United States; and The Fractured State series, a near future, dystopian thriller trilogy set in the drought ravaged southwest
You can contact Steven directly by email (stevekonkoly@striblingmedia.com) or through his blog (www.stevenkonkoly.com).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
October 10, 2019
The Raid by Steven Konkoly is the second book in the Ryan Decker series. While this book worked as a standalone novel, I feel that it would have been better to have read the series in order. There are references back to events that occurred in the first book.
This action thriller is well-written. Senator Steele asks Ryan and the team to take on an “off-the-books” mission along the US-Mexican border that involves drug cartels and unscrupulous people in the US government.
The story takes us from California to the border with Mexico to Colorado to Washington D. C. but most of it takes place along the border. It is exactly what you would expect from an action thriller with lots of concern over who can be trusted as well as plenty of information on weapons and covert gear.
There are a few twists to the story, but nothing that was too hard to deduce. There is a little character development, but I did not get a significant sense of what the main characters would be like in their down time outside of missions. Nonetheless, it was so full of action and excitement that it kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I was fully engaged in the mission becoming a success.
What is going on at the border? What are the cartels up to and why are some elements of the US government providing support to one or more of them? Who is masterminding the efforts? I recommend this book to those that like thrillers with a lot of action.
Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and Steven Konkoly for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This action thriller is well-written. Senator Steele asks Ryan and the team to take on an “off-the-books” mission along the US-Mexican border that involves drug cartels and unscrupulous people in the US government.
The story takes us from California to the border with Mexico to Colorado to Washington D. C. but most of it takes place along the border. It is exactly what you would expect from an action thriller with lots of concern over who can be trusted as well as plenty of information on weapons and covert gear.
There are a few twists to the story, but nothing that was too hard to deduce. There is a little character development, but I did not get a significant sense of what the main characters would be like in their down time outside of missions. Nonetheless, it was so full of action and excitement that it kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I was fully engaged in the mission becoming a success.
What is going on at the border? What are the cartels up to and why are some elements of the US government providing support to one or more of them? Who is masterminding the efforts? I recommend this book to those that like thrillers with a lot of action.
Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and Steven Konkoly for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 16, 2024
Excitment builds on this second of a series. You need to read the first to understand what is going on but my hat is off to Konkoly...he doesn't waste pages bringing readers up to date...you read the first one or you're not up-to-date. Now this one deals with a lot of issues and even touches on some political issues. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
May 10, 2020
The follow up to Steven Konkoly's The Rescue opens with a pair of Border Patrol agents stumbling across something they shouldn't have seen on the Mexico border and who are killed. No bodies. Just a destroyed bunker that runs between the United States and Mexico. Suspecting that there is more to the story than what she is being told Senator Steele asks Ryan Decker to take a look. Of course there is more to the story than illegal border crossings. More like a conspiracy at high levels of the United States government and military.
The entire gang is back. Decker, Brad Pierce, Harlow Mackenzie, etc. The story moves from California, to Mexico, to Colorado, to Washington D.C. There are mercenaries and high tech killer spider robots on the border. In Washington D.C. there are evil and corrupt politicians. None are a match against Ryan Decker. He has Harlow and Pierce on his team and they have Senator Steele's backing. Corrupt politicians and the cartels don't have a chance.
This was an entertaining story. Lots of action. No real suspense or question on who the bad guys are. If you like Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, etc. you will probably enjoy this story. I would recommend reading The Rescue first in order to meet the characters.
The entire gang is back. Decker, Brad Pierce, Harlow Mackenzie, etc. The story moves from California, to Mexico, to Colorado, to Washington D.C. There are mercenaries and high tech killer spider robots on the border. In Washington D.C. there are evil and corrupt politicians. None are a match against Ryan Decker. He has Harlow and Pierce on his team and they have Senator Steele's backing. Corrupt politicians and the cartels don't have a chance.
This was an entertaining story. Lots of action. No real suspense or question on who the bad guys are. If you like Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, etc. you will probably enjoy this story. I would recommend reading The Rescue first in order to meet the characters.
October 21, 2019
Number Two in the series, Ryan Decker a new name in the action thriller Books.
A Border Patrol murder exposes a high-level conspiracy in USA Today bestselling author Steven Konkoly’s explosive thriller, and the return of action star Ryan Decker.
After exposing and dismantling a deep-state conspiracy that nearly destroyed his life, Ryan Decker finds his covert skills have put him on the radar of influential Senator Steele. Now Steele needs his help. Two patrol agents were killed in a bizarre explosion near the US-Mexico border—and the evidence doesn’t line up with the official story.
Enlisted by Steele to run an undercover, off-the-books investigation, Decker and his partner, Harlow, head to the border town of Tecate. But when they’re caught in an ambush, Decker realizes they’ve stumbled onto something far more dangerous than any of them understood.
The cover-up is rooted deep in the Department of Defense itself. Fearful for their own lives and unable to trust anyone outside their small circle of skilled associates, Decker and Harlow set in motion a risky plan to stop a criminal conspiracy.
After exposing and dismantling a deep-state conspiracy that nearly destroyed his life, Ryan Decker finds his covert skills have put him on the radar of influential Senator Steele. Now Steele needs his help. Two patrol agents were killed in a bizarre explosion near the US-Mexico border—and the evidence doesn’t line up with the official story.
Enlisted by Steele to run an undercover, off-the-books investigation, Decker and his partner, Harlow, head to the border town of Tecate. But when they’re caught in an ambush, Decker realizes they’ve stumbled onto something far more dangerous than any of them understood.
The cover-up is rooted deep in the Department of Defense itself. Fearful for their own lives and unable to trust anyone outside their small circle of skilled associates, Decker and Harlow set in motion a risky plan to stop a criminal conspiracy.
A great main character in Ryan Decker, great sidekick in Brad Pierce, and a great collection in Harlow and her kick ass girls.
Fast paced, action packed, great humor, and a hint of romance. Well everything.
Enjoyed this book, not quite as strong as the first, but not much in it. Four stars
A Border Patrol murder exposes a high-level conspiracy in USA Today bestselling author Steven Konkoly’s explosive thriller, and the return of action star Ryan Decker.
After exposing and dismantling a deep-state conspiracy that nearly destroyed his life, Ryan Decker finds his covert skills have put him on the radar of influential Senator Steele. Now Steele needs his help. Two patrol agents were killed in a bizarre explosion near the US-Mexico border—and the evidence doesn’t line up with the official story.
Enlisted by Steele to run an undercover, off-the-books investigation, Decker and his partner, Harlow, head to the border town of Tecate. But when they’re caught in an ambush, Decker realizes they’ve stumbled onto something far more dangerous than any of them understood.
The cover-up is rooted deep in the Department of Defense itself. Fearful for their own lives and unable to trust anyone outside their small circle of skilled associates, Decker and Harlow set in motion a risky plan to stop a criminal conspiracy.
After exposing and dismantling a deep-state conspiracy that nearly destroyed his life, Ryan Decker finds his covert skills have put him on the radar of influential Senator Steele. Now Steele needs his help. Two patrol agents were killed in a bizarre explosion near the US-Mexico border—and the evidence doesn’t line up with the official story.
Enlisted by Steele to run an undercover, off-the-books investigation, Decker and his partner, Harlow, head to the border town of Tecate. But when they’re caught in an ambush, Decker realizes they’ve stumbled onto something far more dangerous than any of them understood.
The cover-up is rooted deep in the Department of Defense itself. Fearful for their own lives and unable to trust anyone outside their small circle of skilled associates, Decker and Harlow set in motion a risky plan to stop a criminal conspiracy.
A great main character in Ryan Decker, great sidekick in Brad Pierce, and a great collection in Harlow and her kick ass girls.
Fast paced, action packed, great humor, and a hint of romance. Well everything.
Enjoyed this book, not quite as strong as the first, but not much in it. Four stars
October 21, 2019
An Exciting Thriller Showing Military Works And Senate Involvement In Border Cartels
A fascinating story that we get to see from the inside due to the author's work in our military. Border security is a topic today we see in the news, and this starts with the death of Border Patrol Agents, but what they were able to report plus voices heard on their radio move people into action!
Ryan Decker, a former special forces soldier, is a private consultant who Senator Steele comes to after fearing a human-trafficking ring. There are many twists and complete turns as Decker and Team investigate into Mexico! Corruption on a high level, arms dealing and a noted American involvement in weapons found has everyone looking over their shoulder!
I enjoyed the first book in this series and loved this second! Ryan Decker and friends are wonderful characters, as we learn more about the team and how they work together. I highly encourage all who enjoy action adventures to read this intriguing series!!# I WON This Book From GoodReads and am Very happy I did!!
A fascinating story that we get to see from the inside due to the author's work in our military. Border security is a topic today we see in the news, and this starts with the death of Border Patrol Agents, but what they were able to report plus voices heard on their radio move people into action!
Ryan Decker, a former special forces soldier, is a private consultant who Senator Steele comes to after fearing a human-trafficking ring. There are many twists and complete turns as Decker and Team investigate into Mexico! Corruption on a high level, arms dealing and a noted American involvement in weapons found has everyone looking over their shoulder!
I enjoyed the first book in this series and loved this second! Ryan Decker and friends are wonderful characters, as we learn more about the team and how they work together. I highly encourage all who enjoy action adventures to read this intriguing series!!# I WON This Book From GoodReads and am Very happy I did!!
September 1, 2019
After surviving an unsuccessful hostage rescue and being made the fall guy, former CIA operative Ryan Decker plans to be very careful about the jobs he takes on. He is very suspicious when he’s hired to investigate the death of two Border Patrol agents. It is thought that one or more of the drug cartels are responsible. While investigating, Decker and his partner, Harlow, realize that what they find just south of the Mexican border makes no sense at all. How would a cartel get their hands on robotic spider drones? It soon becomes clear that pursuing the truth will pitt them against the highest levels of the U. S. Government. Worse still is the fact that an old enemy has resurfaced and may be behind it all, including the death of Decker’s wife.
The Raid by Steven Konkoly is the second book in the Ryan Decker series. If you enjoy the stories of Tom Clancy and Mark Greaney but lack the time for a 600+ page adventure, you should try Steven Konkoly. Konkoly weaves a plot that flows well, blending the reality of the world today with some literary license. His characters are well developed and at the end you will be left wanting more. I plan to go back and read the preceding book, The Rescue, and look forward to future books in this series. I also plan to try his successful Alex Fletcher and Black Flagged series.
* A copy of the ebook is the only compensation received in exchange for this review. *
The Raid by Steven Konkoly is the second book in the Ryan Decker series. If you enjoy the stories of Tom Clancy and Mark Greaney but lack the time for a 600+ page adventure, you should try Steven Konkoly. Konkoly weaves a plot that flows well, blending the reality of the world today with some literary license. His characters are well developed and at the end you will be left wanting more. I plan to go back and read the preceding book, The Rescue, and look forward to future books in this series. I also plan to try his successful Alex Fletcher and Black Flagged series.
* A copy of the ebook is the only compensation received in exchange for this review. *
August 3, 2019
This book will be available October 8, 2019. Just know that it is a "kick butt and ask questions later" type of story.
Upfront information: This is the second book in the series. I highly recommend reading the first book so that you get a better background on the situations and characters. There is violence as well as adult language and mild mention of abuse.
A border patrol stumbles onto an unclear situation and things go crazy before they can make a full report. After learning the available information, Senator Steele requests Ryan and Harlow's assistance in investigating the situation. What no one knew was the dangers involved. Now with their lives at risk again, will they be able to solve the mystery and have everyone come back alive?
This book had plenty of twists, turns, and unexpected events to keep me turning the virtual pages.
Disclaimer: I was provided an advance copy of this book courtesy of Thomas and Mercer via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and above are my honest thoughts.
Upfront information: This is the second book in the series. I highly recommend reading the first book so that you get a better background on the situations and characters. There is violence as well as adult language and mild mention of abuse.
A border patrol stumbles onto an unclear situation and things go crazy before they can make a full report. After learning the available information, Senator Steele requests Ryan and Harlow's assistance in investigating the situation. What no one knew was the dangers involved. Now with their lives at risk again, will they be able to solve the mystery and have everyone come back alive?
This book had plenty of twists, turns, and unexpected events to keep me turning the virtual pages.
Disclaimer: I was provided an advance copy of this book courtesy of Thomas and Mercer via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and above are my honest thoughts.
November 9, 2019
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for providing me with a free Kindle ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Having read The Rescue , I felt that this book was much better. The prequel had left me with some nagging questions. The current text doesn't have the same plot holes that I felt The Rescue had. My only complaint, really, is that there never is any resolution whatsoever to the presence of the five children in the desert who are found by the Border Patrol agents at the beginning of the book. Who were they? What happened to them? How did they have anything at all to do with the cartels, or the story in general? It felt as if their existence was created purely for shock and awe.
Action books are not my personal favorite, but this book kept the action level high and was full of comedic banter between characters, so the entertainment was definitely there. I could see this series being picked up by Hollywood with actors like Jason Statham and Liam Neeson.
Still hoping for a spin-off series centered around Harlow and her badass team! They are the real heroes in this series!
#theraid #netgalley
First, I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for providing me with a free Kindle ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Having read The Rescue , I felt that this book was much better. The prequel had left me with some nagging questions. The current text doesn't have the same plot holes that I felt The Rescue had. My only complaint, really, is that there never is any resolution whatsoever to the presence of the five children in the desert who are found by the Border Patrol agents at the beginning of the book. Who were they? What happened to them? How did they have anything at all to do with the cartels, or the story in general? It felt as if their existence was created purely for shock and awe.
Action books are not my personal favorite, but this book kept the action level high and was full of comedic banter between characters, so the entertainment was definitely there. I could see this series being picked up by Hollywood with actors like Jason Statham and Liam Neeson.
Still hoping for a spin-off series centered around Harlow and her badass team! They are the real heroes in this series!
#theraid #netgalley
September 19, 2019
First of all I would like to thank #ThomasandMercer and #Netgalley for giving me this opportunity to read Steven Konkolys second book about Ryan Decker. This is a good story that concludes some of the stuff that started in the first book. Konkoly also promise in the afterword that he is working on an even better third installment in the series. Great news since I was really hooked by this character from the start. I really love that they have a different ground theme than most thrillers with military connections today. I think there are not enough books about trafficking and environment issues today. Most are still stuck on terrorism and russians. Don't get me wrong those are also problems. I recommend this series.
October 22, 2019
Another great book!
January 2, 2020
The follow-up to series opener The Rescue takes Decker, Harlow and their team to Mexico and the border area when Senator Steele request their help in finding out what really happened to two murdered Border Patrol agents. The official story doesn't add up, and whatever is really going on involves a brewing cartel war, a dodgy military operation and another conspiracy to unravel - one that might lead back to Jacob Harcourt.
Fastpaced action that kept me hooked - another excellent thriller that left me already looking forward to the next installment.
Fastpaced action that kept me hooked - another excellent thriller that left me already looking forward to the next installment.
March 26, 2020
Solid follow up the Rescue, the first Ryan Decker novel. While plot threads from the first book are continued, Decker gets involved in a problem at the border involving the government, the cartel and some dangerous weapons. Great plotting, detail and action. Looking forward to book 3.
August 18, 2024
At the Mexican Border a conflict ensues around a murder and conspiracies. Decker is tapped in to go and investigate and what he finds is millions worth of American ammo and high tech equipment given to the Mexican cartels. Senator Steele and Decker unite to uncover the truth behind the border explosion and who is really behind it all. Of course, Harlow and her team are there for Decker as they travel to the border to learn more. Meanwhile, they are hunted by cartel and pushed to dangerous situations that makes them really question how deep the cover-up and ties go inside the US department of defense.
Lo and behold. The one person. The one name that they cannot shake pops up behind it all. But this time, they get him!!! With the help of Steele and Deckers old friends, they find a way to trap and capture the one person that has been haunting them for a long time!!
Lo and behold. The one person. The one name that they cannot shake pops up behind it all. But this time, they get him!!! With the help of Steele and Deckers old friends, they find a way to trap and capture the one person that has been haunting them for a long time!!
October 8, 2019
With the topic of illegal border crossings in the news it is nice to have a story that addresses it, without becoming preachy. The Raid by Steven Konkoly is an action thriller that is kicked off by the deaths of border patrol agents.
The novel starts with the two agents discovering a group of young looking kids out in the desert. As the agents investigate, they get attacked. When the investigation reveals a coverup, Ryan Decker a former special forces soldier turned private security consultant, is called in. During his investigation Decker ends up putting himself and his team in the crosshairs of the people in charge of the coverup.
During the novel Decker shifts between being on the defensive and offensively taking the fight to the suspects. At points in the story Decker’s team narrowly miss being ambushed, while at others they are setting a trap. At the same time Decker’s boss, Senator Steele is also a target for the conspiracy to take out.
Overall, the book has good pacing. There are chapters filled with action followed by chapters that explore what is going on in a big picture view. including chapters written in the point of view of the enemy. Reading the plan for the ambush then reading how the hero escapes for me is always exciting.
My one issue with the novel was a female assassin. Some statements made about her backstory and motivation for becoming a professional killer did not match up. Maybe there was more to her story. However she enters and exits the book quickly. Maybe if she was in the novel for longer, her story would have been fleshed out more.
Otherwise this was a great read. I was hooked from the first chapter. If you are looking for a good book with a pulled from the headlines feel pick up The Raid by Steven Konkoly today.
A free review copy of this book was provided via NetGalley for this unbiased review.
The novel starts with the two agents discovering a group of young looking kids out in the desert. As the agents investigate, they get attacked. When the investigation reveals a coverup, Ryan Decker a former special forces soldier turned private security consultant, is called in. During his investigation Decker ends up putting himself and his team in the crosshairs of the people in charge of the coverup.
During the novel Decker shifts between being on the defensive and offensively taking the fight to the suspects. At points in the story Decker’s team narrowly miss being ambushed, while at others they are setting a trap. At the same time Decker’s boss, Senator Steele is also a target for the conspiracy to take out.
Overall, the book has good pacing. There are chapters filled with action followed by chapters that explore what is going on in a big picture view. including chapters written in the point of view of the enemy. Reading the plan for the ambush then reading how the hero escapes for me is always exciting.
My one issue with the novel was a female assassin. Some statements made about her backstory and motivation for becoming a professional killer did not match up. Maybe there was more to her story. However she enters and exits the book quickly. Maybe if she was in the novel for longer, her story would have been fleshed out more.
Otherwise this was a great read. I was hooked from the first chapter. If you are looking for a good book with a pulled from the headlines feel pick up The Raid by Steven Konkoly today.
A free review copy of this book was provided via NetGalley for this unbiased review.
October 15, 2024
I enjoyed the first book of this series and, if anything, this book ramps it up some. I appreciate that the author directly continued the storyline. While it sometimes strains credulity (like all super agent/operative books do) it is for the most part well within the temporary suspension of disbelief. I also appreciate the humorous banter between characters. A worthy addition to the field and I certainly have added Ryan Decker to my pantheon of favorite characters in this genre. I will be reading the next entry in the series and am juiced to see where it goes from where this one left off. What is more fun than books that can generate that kind of anticipation? For me, not a whole lot!
October 15, 2019
Pretty good Men's Adventure novel. After the events of the last novel, there's an incident at the border. An explosion kills two Border agents. Decker and Co. do a little poking around and finds a bunker defended by explosive robots.
One thing leads to another, and there's a bunch of shootouts, a little gunporn, and...llllllooooovvvveeee!
Like something from 1987. Give it a read!
One thing leads to another, and there's a bunch of shootouts, a little gunporn, and...llllllooooovvvveeee!
Like something from 1987. Give it a read!
October 22, 2019
A very good book.
Want to read
September 4, 2021Synopsis: Ryan Decker gets a call from Senator Steele. Two agents on the US / Mexican border have been killed and there are holes in the story!
January 19, 2020
Wow...great story
I loved this book, and the fact that it is not a post apocalypse story, which Mr Konkoly excels at (his Perseid Collapse series set the standard for the genre). The action never stopped and the plot was plausible and well executed. Looking forward to Book 3!
I loved this book, and the fact that it is not a post apocalypse story, which Mr Konkoly excels at (his Perseid Collapse series set the standard for the genre). The action never stopped and the plot was plausible and well executed. Looking forward to Book 3!
April 7, 2020
I found Steven Konkoly years ago on the Kindle Lending Library. I have to admit, I didn't have very high expectations since the book was free, but it was fantastic! I was in my Vince Flynn, Tom Clancy mode and his first book, Black Flagged Alpha I was completely hooked. Mr. Konkoly has taken me through black ops, hostage situations, high speed chases, pandemics, EMPs and with this series, we are again chasing clandestine schemes with smart, high-tech plots with twists and turns. He obviously does a lot of research on his subject matter and I have learned a lot reading his books.
I highly recommend this author and this series. Just when you think you have it figured out, he will pivot and provide a fabulous turn of events.
I highly recommend this author and this series. Just when you think you have it figured out, he will pivot and provide a fabulous turn of events.
February 17, 2021
Ryan Decker starts with the Russian mob and quickly transitions to the Mexican cartels in this fast paced thriller. Lots of action and shoot em ups. But there’s more to it than your normal power play between rival cartels. An old nemesis is pulling the strings and he’s corrupted the Pentagon as well as Congress. Vengeance or justice is in Decker’s hands too. Which will it be?
March 20, 2025
Good read
Another good Ryan Decker story. Like the first, a bit out there and over heroic at times, but the author has a good imagination.
Another good Ryan Decker story. Like the first, a bit out there and over heroic at times, but the author has a good imagination.
May 26, 2020
Ugh; I hate to disparage someone's labor of love. Maybe it's just me, but I just couldn't wrap my head around this novel. Well written and chock full of realistic details, this could have been an engrossing novel. I read a lot, and many novels really know how to draw you in. However, Mr. Konkoly just didn't get the job done with this book.
Ugh; I hate to disparage someone's labor of love. Maybe it's just me,But I just couldn't wrap my head Around this novel. Although it was well written chalk full of realistic details,This could have been End engrossing read.I do read quite a bit and many novels really know how to draw you in. However, Mr. Konkoly just didn't get the job done with this book (in my humble opinion).
Ugh; I hate to disparage someone's labor of love. Maybe it's just me,But I just couldn't wrap my head Around this novel. Although it was well written chalk full of realistic details,This could have been End engrossing read.I do read quite a bit and many novels really know how to draw you in. However, Mr. Konkoly just didn't get the job done with this book (in my humble opinion).
June 25, 2020
Ho-Hum. Similar to a lot of books I've read lately, this one was too long, too heavy on military procedural aspects and engagements without really adding to the story, and while I love a good conspiracy, this one was bordering on the preposterous. Skipping multiple pages is becoming common place with a lot of books lately.
December 17, 2019
Decker does it again
I've decided I rather like the Ryan Decker stories and will probably read the next one soon. Parts were hard to put down.
I've decided I rather like the Ryan Decker stories and will probably read the next one soon. Parts were hard to put down.
March 26, 2025
When it comes to the greats of the action/thriller world, I have read them all—Clancy, Brown, Coontz—and none of them have anything on Steve Konkoly, he is fit to ride the river to borrow an expression from another genre with the best of them. Read any of Konkoly’s 20+ novels and you will agree with me. He’s the new sheriff in town.
The Raid, book 2 in the Ryan Decker thriller series is another action-packed roller coaster thrill ride. Although these books can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone thrillers, this story continues the journey we set out on in Book 1, The Rescue, so they should be read in the order Konkoly wrote them. These stories are character-driven, and you need to read them in the order written to follow the individual character arcs and the developing relationships between the characters.
There are many ways to tag dialogue, so the reader knows who’s speaking at any given time. Too many authors get creative and vary the way they tag dialogue and that can get annoying and confusing for the reader in a fast-paced thriller. Konkoly keeps it simple by using just one tag for all the dialogue, the tag “said.” Decker said.” Sandra said.” Pierce said.” Simple but effective.
Konkoly keeps it real in these tales. There are no superheroes or superheroines in these adventures that go up against impossible odds and come out unscathed. Like real people in real life, they bleed and some even die. With Konkoly the temporary suspension of disbelief never becomes an issue for the reader.
I will leave you with this, I’m binging on Konkoly and I’m off to read Book 3 in the Ryan Decker series, The Mountain.
The Raid, book 2 in the Ryan Decker thriller series is another action-packed roller coaster thrill ride. Although these books can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone thrillers, this story continues the journey we set out on in Book 1, The Rescue, so they should be read in the order Konkoly wrote them. These stories are character-driven, and you need to read them in the order written to follow the individual character arcs and the developing relationships between the characters.
There are many ways to tag dialogue, so the reader knows who’s speaking at any given time. Too many authors get creative and vary the way they tag dialogue and that can get annoying and confusing for the reader in a fast-paced thriller. Konkoly keeps it simple by using just one tag for all the dialogue, the tag “said.” Decker said.” Sandra said.” Pierce said.” Simple but effective.
Konkoly keeps it real in these tales. There are no superheroes or superheroines in these adventures that go up against impossible odds and come out unscathed. Like real people in real life, they bleed and some even die. With Konkoly the temporary suspension of disbelief never becomes an issue for the reader.
I will leave you with this, I’m binging on Konkoly and I’m off to read Book 3 in the Ryan Decker series, The Mountain.
October 31, 2019
Every since I finished The Rescue (Ryan Deck #1) I have been pining for this one to see what happened to Harcourt. I got my answer and I was a bit surprised.
This book was worth the wait. I have only one complaint, it would have been nice to have more info around the relationships (Ryan and Harlow, Harlow's agency, Steele, Reese). The relationship with Pierce is done well. The others, if you blink you might miss it, as the saying goes I think. If someone, picked it up without having read The Rescue, may not understand how they came to work together. Other than that..
The Raid picks up where The Rescue left off. Ryan is a little worn down and given what he went through in, it is understandable. From the beginning, he, along with Pierce are doing what they do best. I like how Steven Konkoly interjects light moments with comments from Pierce. The things they do are serious and the subject is serious but the light moments help keep them...human.
Like The Rescue, The Raid has ideas/corruption that I hope are pure fiction with no basis in reality as they are pretty scary, but very entertaining to read. If you like action, political/military conspiracy, strong females, fantastic operatives, you will love this book, in my opinion.
This book was worth the wait. I have only one complaint, it would have been nice to have more info around the relationships (Ryan and Harlow, Harlow's agency, Steele, Reese). The relationship with Pierce is done well. The others, if you blink you might miss it, as the saying goes I think. If someone, picked it up without having read The Rescue, may not understand how they came to work together. Other than that..
The Raid picks up where The Rescue left off. Ryan is a little worn down and given what he went through in, it is understandable. From the beginning, he, along with Pierce are doing what they do best. I like how Steven Konkoly interjects light moments with comments from Pierce. The things they do are serious and the subject is serious but the light moments help keep them...human.
Like The Rescue, The Raid has ideas/corruption that I hope are pure fiction with no basis in reality as they are pretty scary, but very entertaining to read. If you like action, political/military conspiracy, strong females, fantastic operatives, you will love this book, in my opinion.
March 7, 2020
A fast paced adventure with lots of weapons and tricky plots. It is your typical alpha male adventure to take down the drug cartels that are now trafficking in people. Decker’s old nemesis Hartcourt is still out there and Decker and Pierce are hoping to take him down. There is a nest of vipers in the US Government covering for the cartels but how to get to them? A plot is hatched and Decker and Pierce go into Mexico to find out what happened when two border patrol are killed and a bunker exploded. What they find is more than they bargained on but in true macho fashion, they get to the bottom of it. Senator Steele wants to get the traffickers and she and Decker plan an off the book investigation in an attempt to lure those responsible into the light. The cover up goes high in the government and Steele must find a way to uncover the ones responsible. If you are squeamish about violence and adult language, this may not be the series for you. But, if you like espionage and coverups and competent teams, male and female, who can meet the challenge, you’ll like these books. Start with Book 1 and you are in for a thrilling read. I listened in Audible (Thom Rivera is terrific narrator) and finished with Kindle. Great series.
August 25, 2019
I received this book through Net Galley Read Now program.
If you enjoy action, then this is definitely a book for you. It starts with Russian Human Trafficing and then hits on the Border Patrol, finally ending with Mexical Cartels.
Ryan Decker is a civilian contractor working with Senator Steele trying to put a stop with Human Trafficing. Ryan, along with Brian Pierce, Heather and other members have starting investigating the disappearnce of two Border Patrol agents who reported see what they thought was Human Trafficing. Pierce abd Decker were sent to check out a bunker to find out why it had been blown up. Their investigation led to discovery of a crate for the Javelin missile. Further investigation put them in the crosshair of an individual identified as Jupiter. Jupiter was working an operation with two conressen/Senators and individuals in the military called Southern Cross.
If you want to find out who the individual callled Jupiter is and what Southern Cross refers to, then you need to read this book which I highly recommend.
If you enjoy action, then this is definitely a book for you. It starts with Russian Human Trafficing and then hits on the Border Patrol, finally ending with Mexical Cartels.
Ryan Decker is a civilian contractor working with Senator Steele trying to put a stop with Human Trafficing. Ryan, along with Brian Pierce, Heather and other members have starting investigating the disappearnce of two Border Patrol agents who reported see what they thought was Human Trafficing. Pierce abd Decker were sent to check out a bunker to find out why it had been blown up. Their investigation led to discovery of a crate for the Javelin missile. Further investigation put them in the crosshair of an individual identified as Jupiter. Jupiter was working an operation with two conressen/Senators and individuals in the military called Southern Cross.
If you want to find out who the individual callled Jupiter is and what Southern Cross refers to, then you need to read this book which I highly recommend.
March 16, 2020
Ryan Decker has returned but is now working with Harlow Mackenzie and company. Border patrol personnel are killed in an odd set of circumstances involving an explosion south the border. Senator Steele calls upon Decker to investigate privately for her. Now, the entire group is in danger. Will they be able to expose the cover-up without losing their lives in the process?
Konkoly’s second novel in the Ryan Decker series, The Raid follows Decker after his life was almost destroyed by a deep state conspiracy. The spark that was ignited between him and Harlow is fanned a bit throughout this book. Old nemeses don’t seem to want to go away.
This story is full of action and adventure as one might expect. But what I found most intriguing was the characters. The support crew is very diverse and add levity in some of the most serious situations. As with the first novel the story touches on human trafficking.
5 out of 5 stars.
Konkoly’s second novel in the Ryan Decker series, The Raid follows Decker after his life was almost destroyed by a deep state conspiracy. The spark that was ignited between him and Harlow is fanned a bit throughout this book. Old nemeses don’t seem to want to go away.
This story is full of action and adventure as one might expect. But what I found most intriguing was the characters. The support crew is very diverse and add levity in some of the most serious situations. As with the first novel the story touches on human trafficking.
5 out of 5 stars.
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