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Alexander King #1
The Secret Weapon
The world doesn't know he exists. Enemies of the state will wish he didn't.
After a covert mission became personal, the only way elite CIA counterterrorism operative Alexander King could keep his loved ones safe, and the eyes of Washington's enemies blind to his existence, was to disappear.
A year after his family buried a body that wasn't his, King saves a young woman from a car bomb in London, and that's when his work in the shadows gets complicated. Because she's not who he thinks she is, and the web that King is pulled into is tangled with enemies that reach to the highest levels of the United States government.
The clock is ticking on a nuclear sized threat that will make 9/11 look like child's play. And if King can't put together the pieces of a deadly puzzle that involves a ruthless terrorist, a surging presidential hopeful, a seedy billionaire businessman, and a mysterious seventeen-year-old girl, thousands of innocent lives will be lost.
When diplomacy fails, and the possibility of a world war hangs in the balance, it's often the secret weapons like King who scour the alleys and back avenues who make the difference. The question is, will he be enough?
_____________________________
If you couldn't put down Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Brad Thor's Scot Harvath, or David Baldacci's Will Robie, fans of Bradley Wright believe you won't be able to put down the addictive Alexander King.
After a covert mission became personal, the only way elite CIA counterterrorism operative Alexander King could keep his loved ones safe, and the eyes of Washington's enemies blind to his existence, was to disappear.
A year after his family buried a body that wasn't his, King saves a young woman from a car bomb in London, and that's when his work in the shadows gets complicated. Because she's not who he thinks she is, and the web that King is pulled into is tangled with enemies that reach to the highest levels of the United States government.
The clock is ticking on a nuclear sized threat that will make 9/11 look like child's play. And if King can't put together the pieces of a deadly puzzle that involves a ruthless terrorist, a surging presidential hopeful, a seedy billionaire businessman, and a mysterious seventeen-year-old girl, thousands of innocent lives will be lost.
When diplomacy fails, and the possibility of a world war hangs in the balance, it's often the secret weapons like King who scour the alleys and back avenues who make the difference. The question is, will he be enough?
_____________________________
If you couldn't put down Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Brad Thor's Scot Harvath, or David Baldacci's Will Robie, fans of Bradley Wright believe you won't be able to put down the addictive Alexander King.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2020
6020 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
April 1, 2022
A solid beginning leaves me waiting for #2. There's room for this series to grow. 6 of 10 stars
April 23, 2020
When someone on the inside of Washington combines with those who wish evil upon the streets, you need to have a secret in your pocket...And boy does the Director of the CIA have a good one...X..the 'dead' Alexander King, out of sight but very much ready to stop the events the CIA fear are on the way...
The author hits all the right notes in this action-packed scheme to destroy America, including a former operative turned to the dark side!! A fascinating story that has you right there with the characters through every footstep, dark turn, and sudden flash of light as you begin to understand just what evil you are facing...
You will be glued to every page, from the first word until the last...And Then awaiting breathlessly for the next problem our hero's will be tackling...
The author hits all the right notes in this action-packed scheme to destroy America, including a former operative turned to the dark side!! A fascinating story that has you right there with the characters through every footstep, dark turn, and sudden flash of light as you begin to understand just what evil you are facing...
You will be glued to every page, from the first word until the last...And Then awaiting breathlessly for the next problem our hero's will be tackling...
April 30, 2022
2 and 1/2 for effort.....
August 23, 2022
I really wanted to like this book for multiple reasons. It fits my genre, referenced places in London where I have been, and mentioned Kentucky where I was raised. I do believe there is a good story somewhere in the book. I think better editing and writing would have made it a more believable and interesting book.
The logic and actions of the protagonist were seriously flawed. If any operative had made just one or two of the serious mistakes King and friends made throughout the book, they would be dead or captured. The character's lack of awareness regarding surveillance techniques, phone protocols, prisoner/captive protection, and operational tactics kept me shaking my head throughout the book. Not that I'm an expert, but when I spot glaring mistakes then they have to be big ones. In this genre I always expect some implausible things to occur, and I don't get too picky about them. However, this book was so full of logic holes and protocol missteps that I can't overlook them or give the author a pass.
Also, this is labeled as book #1 in the series, but after I finished it I found out that this is a continuation of another series. It did feel like I was missing a backstory to several characters. If I had known there were prior books, I would not have started with this book. Still, this doesn't explain all the logic and tactical errors made by the characters. especially if the author has written several books before this.
I try to weed out books that I think aren't in my genre, won't appeal to me because of the storyline in general, or have a lot of negative reviews. This book passed my initial filters which surprises me that I have to give it a low review. Since this isn't the author's first book, then 2 stars is the best I can give. There are far too many mistakes in this storyline for someone who has had over a dozen books published. I'm still trying to figure out how 95% of the Amazon reviews are 3 stars and above.
I don't think I can invest more time in this series. Thankfully it was free so the only thing I lost was a few hours of my time which is something considering how many books there are on "my to read list."
The logic and actions of the protagonist were seriously flawed. If any operative had made just one or two of the serious mistakes King and friends made throughout the book, they would be dead or captured. The character's lack of awareness regarding surveillance techniques, phone protocols, prisoner/captive protection, and operational tactics kept me shaking my head throughout the book. Not that I'm an expert, but when I spot glaring mistakes then they have to be big ones. In this genre I always expect some implausible things to occur, and I don't get too picky about them. However, this book was so full of logic holes and protocol missteps that I can't overlook them or give the author a pass.
Also, this is labeled as book #1 in the series, but after I finished it I found out that this is a continuation of another series. It did feel like I was missing a backstory to several characters. If I had known there were prior books, I would not have started with this book. Still, this doesn't explain all the logic and tactical errors made by the characters. especially if the author has written several books before this.
I try to weed out books that I think aren't in my genre, won't appeal to me because of the storyline in general, or have a lot of negative reviews. This book passed my initial filters which surprises me that I have to give it a low review. Since this isn't the author's first book, then 2 stars is the best I can give. There are far too many mistakes in this storyline for someone who has had over a dozen books published. I'm still trying to figure out how 95% of the Amazon reviews are 3 stars and above.
I don't think I can invest more time in this series. Thankfully it was free so the only thing I lost was a few hours of my time which is something considering how many books there are on "my to read list."
January 1, 2023
I don’t understand the number of high-star ratings for this book. Stilted, awkward writing, a protagonist that I don’t particularly like, and a terrorist plot that doesn’t make sense. This is book 1 (apparently) but with multiple references to a back story about nanobots, this didn’t quite feel right. I don’t care for the writing style. I’ll take a pass on the remaining books.
August 27, 2023
Non-stop Action
Alexander King is an agent who no longer exists. That is to say, he is dead to most of the world. Only a select few, in three letter agencies, know of his existence for the purpose of keeping the World safe from terrorists.
Working under these conditions of anonymity, King is pulled into an intense, on-going war between a group of terrorists who might be Greek or Middle Eastern and the United States.
Packed with action, secret alliances and a changing interplay of good guys and bad guys, The Secret Weapon will keep you glued to the page. And waiting until the last second for the satisfying ending. And the start of a new book!
Alexander King is an agent who no longer exists. That is to say, he is dead to most of the world. Only a select few, in three letter agencies, know of his existence for the purpose of keeping the World safe from terrorists.
Working under these conditions of anonymity, King is pulled into an intense, on-going war between a group of terrorists who might be Greek or Middle Eastern and the United States.
Packed with action, secret alliances and a changing interplay of good guys and bad guys, The Secret Weapon will keep you glued to the page. And waiting until the last second for the satisfying ending. And the start of a new book!
April 23, 2020
And the dead rises from the ash. The man formerly known as Xander King comes back to life as Alexander King. The only issue is that everyone thinks he’s dead and he likes it this way. He can move around and exact revenge on those who dare to hurt his family or endanger his country.
X, as Sam calls him, is larger than life and taking no prisoners in the first book of a new series.
You don’t have to read the previous books, however, I believe you’ll enjoy this story more with some background.
I’m excited to see what the rest of the series brings.
X, as Sam calls him, is larger than life and taking no prisoners in the first book of a new series.
You don’t have to read the previous books, however, I believe you’ll enjoy this story more with some background.
I’m excited to see what the rest of the series brings.
April 29, 2020
Alexander King is Back
One of my favorite characters In have been waiting for the follow up to last Alexander King novel now I am looking forward to next in the series.
Fast action nice plot twist, if you are fans of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor, then you will enjoy this read
One of my favorite characters In have been waiting for the follow up to last Alexander King novel now I am looking forward to next in the series.
Fast action nice plot twist, if you are fans of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor, then you will enjoy this read
April 30, 2020
Xander King is back tracking down the terrorists who planned the attack in the last book.
Now calling himself just X, he is in the UK & Greece tracking down the heads of the group.
Loads of action, treachery and double crosses in this latest book.
Now calling himself just X, he is in the UK & Greece tracking down the heads of the group.
Loads of action, treachery and double crosses in this latest book.
April 30, 2020
X is back! He and Sam are the dream team. This will keep you on the edge of your seat for the entire book. Everything from the dialogue to the physical descriptions of action is amazing! You just keep getting better! Some secrets are deadlier than others. Wow!
April 30, 2020
The King is Back!!!
What a ride this was! King is truly back!! Bad guys watch out, you won't know what hit you!!! You worst nightmare is back!!!! Can't wait for the next book!!!
What a ride this was! King is truly back!! Bad guys watch out, you won't know what hit you!!! You worst nightmare is back!!!! Can't wait for the next book!!!
October 19, 2025
no putting this one down
Just fun and intriguing start to finish. Loved the character Sam.
The Muslim issue raised some questions and concerns but just enough to get me to do some additional reading.
Just fun and intriguing start to finish. Loved the character Sam.
The Muslim issue raised some questions and concerns but just enough to get me to do some additional reading.
February 2, 2023
Denne boka er skrevet som om noen har sett en middels god action film og så skrevet en bok om hva som skjedde. Motivasjon til både protagonisten og antagonistene er lite troverdig. Veldig amerikansk i stil. Anbefales ikke med mindre du er en 12 år gammel amerikansk gutt. Da er den kanskje midt i blinken.
May 1, 2020
I think this is the best Bradley Wright book yet.
June 30, 2020
fast paced, never a dull moment, full of twists & turns and plenty of action. i should have read the previous novels as this one refers to lot of backstory.
December 4, 2023
Another exciting espionage series that kept me guessing until the end! This book had such a great story line - lots of twists and turns - some heartbreaking losses - some deceptional surprises! Our hero is "dead" to the world but becomes entwined in the diabolical plot of a sadistic terrorist. Most of our heroic spies have a huge supporting cast to aide them, but Alexander "X" King is pretty much on his on ... and things have just taken a very dark turn!!
November 12, 2020
A car bomb and a shootout in London's Underground kickstart this terror tale. Deceased CIA spy X and former British spy, Sam, work together to find a terrorist nest and destroy it. But will they be in time to stop the next wave of attacks on America? Most of the story takes place in and around Athens, where X must finish off the remnants of the Maragos family before moving on to the terrorist organization's leadership structure. A lot of betrayal and weasels in this one. The big problem of any spy is, who can you trust?
July 13, 2022
While The Secret Weapon has some good moments, there are literally multiple errors and sequences that make no sense which just left me shaking my head in disbelief!
Let's list some: the protagonist and his handler are supposed to be smart and experienced, yet a teenage girl totally fools them with no problem whatsoever (I was not fooled).
Then after 24 hours or so of not sleeping, he catches a quick nap on a plane only to decide to have some Bourbon because he never refuses an offer, even though he's still exhausted and needs his full faculties!
A Senator who has been tricked into a deadly situation escapes to a remote location only to use his own cell phone at the very location where he wants to hide!
The terrorists have this ridiculous long term plan which fails but then are able to easily launch multiple attacks in NYC Subway stations. Any New Yorker knows any major subway attack would cause an immediate response and most likely a resultant evacuation of all other stations!
Then at the end, a wounded antagonist not only escapes, but is able to still run at high speed and fight with no adverse effects. Trust me when I say, this is not a complete list.
Also, Mr. Wright could use some better editing, as many of his sentences are poorly constructed. Here is an example: "Sajid was a tall man - small but wiry" Apparently, what he meant was that he was slim, since tall is the opposite of small, so you can't be both!
Ultimately, what was most frustrating was how everything seemed to work out at the end, while there was no mention of any repercussions or nationwide trauma caused by six deadly subway bombings - absolutely ludicrous!
Needless to say, I will not be continuing in this series.
Let's list some: the protagonist and his handler are supposed to be smart and experienced, yet a teenage girl totally fools them with no problem whatsoever (I was not fooled).
Then after 24 hours or so of not sleeping, he catches a quick nap on a plane only to decide to have some Bourbon because he never refuses an offer, even though he's still exhausted and needs his full faculties!
A Senator who has been tricked into a deadly situation escapes to a remote location only to use his own cell phone at the very location where he wants to hide!
The terrorists have this ridiculous long term plan which fails but then are able to easily launch multiple attacks in NYC Subway stations. Any New Yorker knows any major subway attack would cause an immediate response and most likely a resultant evacuation of all other stations!
Then at the end, a wounded antagonist not only escapes, but is able to still run at high speed and fight with no adverse effects. Trust me when I say, this is not a complete list.
Also, Mr. Wright could use some better editing, as many of his sentences are poorly constructed. Here is an example: "Sajid was a tall man - small but wiry" Apparently, what he meant was that he was slim, since tall is the opposite of small, so you can't be both!
Ultimately, what was most frustrating was how everything seemed to work out at the end, while there was no mention of any repercussions or nationwide trauma caused by six deadly subway bombings - absolutely ludicrous!
Needless to say, I will not be continuing in this series.
June 24, 2022
Another disaster.
Our hero, in this book his name is Alexander King, is living in the shadows, distant from his old stomping ground. He's an elite special forces chap, who could live rather well in that small space under the garden shed. You'd never know he was there, but rather than rough it, rather than opt for a croft on the Scottish coast, even, he chooses to live in London. Maybe there is (unknown to us: the simple minded masses) more CCTV monitoring of our windswept shores than there is of our capital city.
My summary of this less than groundbreaking thriller: he saves the world after taking his morning shower and before he sits down to eat his cornflakes.
A mere human, wearing an invisible cape and invisible underpants outside of his trousers, comes back from the dead to save the world.
There are films (don't ask me the titles). I don't do too much of that, but there are.
A troop of squaddies are brainwashed (Manchurian Candidate - I remembered in the nick of time) and they all end up telling the same story.
I think the publishing houses got together and kidnapped lots of boys and girls from school; they brainwash them into believing in an alternate reality, in a parallel universe, where the planet is saved on a daily basis by cartoon characters that the masses believe exist.
They then send the brainwashed out into the world to write 'all action thrillers' knowing the writer actually believes in what he has written.
Otherwise, we have to accept that the publisher believes this is within the realm of reality.
Our hero, in this book his name is Alexander King, is living in the shadows, distant from his old stomping ground. He's an elite special forces chap, who could live rather well in that small space under the garden shed. You'd never know he was there, but rather than rough it, rather than opt for a croft on the Scottish coast, even, he chooses to live in London. Maybe there is (unknown to us: the simple minded masses) more CCTV monitoring of our windswept shores than there is of our capital city.
My summary of this less than groundbreaking thriller: he saves the world after taking his morning shower and before he sits down to eat his cornflakes.
A mere human, wearing an invisible cape and invisible underpants outside of his trousers, comes back from the dead to save the world.
There are films (don't ask me the titles). I don't do too much of that, but there are.
A troop of squaddies are brainwashed (Manchurian Candidate - I remembered in the nick of time) and they all end up telling the same story.
I think the publishing houses got together and kidnapped lots of boys and girls from school; they brainwash them into believing in an alternate reality, in a parallel universe, where the planet is saved on a daily basis by cartoon characters that the masses believe exist.
They then send the brainwashed out into the world to write 'all action thrillers' knowing the writer actually believes in what he has written.
Otherwise, we have to accept that the publisher believes this is within the realm of reality.
May 29, 2020
I would’ve given this four stars but especially the ending left me wanting.
This guy ain’t no Mitch Rapp I read this book because of the notations that if I liked books by Vince Flynn, Lee Childs and Brad Thor I would like this character. He is nowhere in their league as far as a character is concerned. He’s touted as an exNavy seal, at the top of his game, but can’t seem to win a fight without being taken down or hurt or injured. Jack would have taken out the terrorist in the market scene with no problem at all. Mitch Rapp would not have gone into a situation without the proper equipment i.e. weapons night vision ECT. I can understand the authors artistic license but the lack of realism took me out of the book. Any X military man will tell you that a Navy seal or ex Navy seal would not go into a situation without properly being prepared besides those gripes in the apologue the book jumps several months without explaining what happened with the senator and how he got out of his predicament. Since the senator was an Intercal part of the story this omission left me wanting more answers. You may enjoy the book give it a shot.
This guy ain’t no Mitch Rapp I read this book because of the notations that if I liked books by Vince Flynn, Lee Childs and Brad Thor I would like this character. He is nowhere in their league as far as a character is concerned. He’s touted as an exNavy seal, at the top of his game, but can’t seem to win a fight without being taken down or hurt or injured. Jack would have taken out the terrorist in the market scene with no problem at all. Mitch Rapp would not have gone into a situation without the proper equipment i.e. weapons night vision ECT. I can understand the authors artistic license but the lack of realism took me out of the book. Any X military man will tell you that a Navy seal or ex Navy seal would not go into a situation without properly being prepared besides those gripes in the apologue the book jumps several months without explaining what happened with the senator and how he got out of his predicament. Since the senator was an Intercal part of the story this omission left me wanting more answers. You may enjoy the book give it a shot.
October 2, 2022
I enjoy novels of international intrigue, and this novel captured my attention as I was curious as to what is "The Secret Weapon?" It is not what but who. Alexander King is the who, and I didn't realize until adding my review on GoodReads that although I read the first in the series about this character, multiple Alexander King prequels were introducing Xander King. I enjoyed the title as a stand-alone.
In exploring the author's background, I smiled to learn that Bradley Wright is from Kentucky; when the character of Alexander King talks of his home, there is a true sense of home that shines through his descriptions. The old saying is, "Home is where the heart is." I felt the descriptions of King's Kentucky home were the most vivid and sensory descriptions in the novel.
I would suggest that this novel is an addition to the tbr list for all who enjoy books by Brad Thor, who created the respected character of Scot Harvath (also an ex-Navy SEAL).
In exploring the author's background, I smiled to learn that Bradley Wright is from Kentucky; when the character of Alexander King talks of his home, there is a true sense of home that shines through his descriptions. The old saying is, "Home is where the heart is." I felt the descriptions of King's Kentucky home were the most vivid and sensory descriptions in the novel.
I would suggest that this novel is an addition to the tbr list for all who enjoy books by Brad Thor, who created the respected character of Scot Harvath (also an ex-Navy SEAL).
June 16, 2023
Well, I tried. I made it through 35% but I found it impossible to go any further. At first, I thought I'd picked up the second or third book in the series because the author kept referencing these cataclysmic events that had happened in the past and, seemingly, almost brought down the free world. But this is book 1 so it made me wonder what was left to write about.
What really turned me off, though, was a chase followed by a fight scene. The main character was after a woman wearing a white hat. On one page, she was wearing the hat but then he received a phone call that she had removed it. He then accosted a woman who looked like his target but, a page later, the hat was back on. Then, at the end of the fight scene, he was wearing a hat! I cannot even begin to describe the fight scene because the moves by both participants were physically impossible. I used to blame editors for these errors but now I lay blame squarely on the writer.
What really turned me off, though, was a chase followed by a fight scene. The main character was after a woman wearing a white hat. On one page, she was wearing the hat but then he received a phone call that she had removed it. He then accosted a woman who looked like his target but, a page later, the hat was back on. Then, at the end of the fight scene, he was wearing a hat! I cannot even begin to describe the fight scene because the moves by both participants were physically impossible. I used to blame editors for these errors but now I lay blame squarely on the writer.
December 9, 2020
After starting this book, there were certain things that made me think that even though it was labeled as book 1 in the series, it REALLY wasn't. So...I looked into it and realized that there was an entire 5 or 6 book series that occurs before this series even starts. Apparently, he was Xander King in that series instead of being Alexander or X. That is kind of a thing for me. I do not like starting a series in the middle and I will always go and find the first book to start with book one, so it left me perplexed. I decided to go ahead and finish this one and then decide what to do.
About this book. Even though this was my first introduction to Alexander, it was still done in a way that created a likeable and charming character. There is lots and lots of information that is given that makes it clear that there is quite a bit of history to Alexander. But, I was still able to follow the action (and there was definitely action) and could feel the depth of his relationship with Sam.
The drama behind the plot left a few holes, but for the most part it was interesting and exciting and there was a nice story arc.
I've decided to go back and start at book one in the other series and catch up. I'm excited about learning more about how we got to the point that we were at in this book.
About this book. Even though this was my first introduction to Alexander, it was still done in a way that created a likeable and charming character. There is lots and lots of information that is given that makes it clear that there is quite a bit of history to Alexander. But, I was still able to follow the action (and there was definitely action) and could feel the depth of his relationship with Sam.
The drama behind the plot left a few holes, but for the most part it was interesting and exciting and there was a nice story arc.
I've decided to go back and start at book one in the other series and catch up. I'm excited about learning more about how we got to the point that we were at in this book.
August 11, 2025
After a covert mission became personal, the only way elite CIA counterterrorism operative Alexander King could keep his loved ones safe, and the eyes of Washington's enemies blind to his existence, was to disappear.
A year after his family buried a body that wasn't his, King saves a young woman from a car bomb in London, and that's when his work in the shadows gets complicated. Because she's not who he thinks she is, and the web that King is pulled into is tangled with enemies that reach to the highest levels of the United States government.
The clock is ticking on a nuclear sized threat that will make 9/11 look like child's play. And if King can't put together the pieces of a deadly puzzle that involves a ruthless terrorist, a surging presidential hopeful, a seedy billionaire businessman, and a mysterious seventeen-year-old girl, thousands of innocent lives will be lost.
When diplomacy fails, and the possibility of a world war hangs in the balance, it's often the secret weapons like King who scour the alleys and back avenues who make the difference. The question is, will he be enough?
A year after his family buried a body that wasn't his, King saves a young woman from a car bomb in London, and that's when his work in the shadows gets complicated. Because she's not who he thinks she is, and the web that King is pulled into is tangled with enemies that reach to the highest levels of the United States government.
The clock is ticking on a nuclear sized threat that will make 9/11 look like child's play. And if King can't put together the pieces of a deadly puzzle that involves a ruthless terrorist, a surging presidential hopeful, a seedy billionaire businessman, and a mysterious seventeen-year-old girl, thousands of innocent lives will be lost.
When diplomacy fails, and the possibility of a world war hangs in the balance, it's often the secret weapons like King who scour the alleys and back avenues who make the difference. The question is, will he be enough?
April 29, 2021
The Secret Weapon - Bradley Wright
After a covert mission became personal, the only way elite CIA counterterrorism operative Alexander King could keep his loved ones safe, and the eyes of Washington's enemies blind to his existence, was to disappear.
A year after his family buried a body that wasn't his, King saves a young woman from a car bomb in London, and that's when his work in the shadows gets complicated. Because she's not who he thinks she is, and the web that King is pulled into is tangled with enemies that reach to the highest levels of the United States government.
I listened to this as an audiobook and I was hooked! This is an action packed novel, complete with a shootout and a car bombing. This was my first introduction to Alexander King but I found that he is a very likeable character.
King is a former Navy Seal that had to fake his own death, within this book he has to slowly reveal that he is alive to additional people whilst also learning who he can trust.
Rating 4/5
After a covert mission became personal, the only way elite CIA counterterrorism operative Alexander King could keep his loved ones safe, and the eyes of Washington's enemies blind to his existence, was to disappear.
A year after his family buried a body that wasn't his, King saves a young woman from a car bomb in London, and that's when his work in the shadows gets complicated. Because she's not who he thinks she is, and the web that King is pulled into is tangled with enemies that reach to the highest levels of the United States government.
I listened to this as an audiobook and I was hooked! This is an action packed novel, complete with a shootout and a car bombing. This was my first introduction to Alexander King but I found that he is a very likeable character.
King is a former Navy Seal that had to fake his own death, within this book he has to slowly reveal that he is alive to additional people whilst also learning who he can trust.
Rating 4/5
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July 7, 2022Not Bad, Not Perfect, More Good Than Not
The plot is fine, characterisation is reasonable and it's quite a captivating read. My only negative report is that it is so very formulaic. I know all novels of this genre and calibre are formulaic but this one actually ticks every plot device box, every secret agent meme is included and there's more than one femme fatale.
The girls are gorgeous and the guys are hunks.
I am sure I'm being harsh for no reason, I just felt it not quite hot the spot. Maybe I should explain with this: I was born in England, I like Irish whisky, Scotch whisky, French cognac and London gin; I also like Kentucky bourbon and Mexican tequila. I do not need to sneer at all of those not gin, not English, I can enjoy all equally. Certain American characters only love the spirit of their origin, as in this book. I served in the infantry, my favourite drink is wine not beer but I can still shoot straight though I'm not macho.
I will try a few more in the series, perhaps they'll ride above average.
The plot is fine, characterisation is reasonable and it's quite a captivating read. My only negative report is that it is so very formulaic. I know all novels of this genre and calibre are formulaic but this one actually ticks every plot device box, every secret agent meme is included and there's more than one femme fatale.
The girls are gorgeous and the guys are hunks.
I am sure I'm being harsh for no reason, I just felt it not quite hot the spot. Maybe I should explain with this: I was born in England, I like Irish whisky, Scotch whisky, French cognac and London gin; I also like Kentucky bourbon and Mexican tequila. I do not need to sneer at all of those not gin, not English, I can enjoy all equally. Certain American characters only love the spirit of their origin, as in this book. I served in the infantry, my favourite drink is wine not beer but I can still shoot straight though I'm not macho.
I will try a few more in the series, perhaps they'll ride above average.
February 26, 2023
This is the first Bradley Wright novel I’ve read and #1 in a series. The Publishers Summary extols “If you couldn’t put down Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp … you won’t be able to put down“ the addictive Alexander King.”, but that’s an OVERSTATEMENT!
The writing isn’t bad and the plot is interesting enough. A CIA counterterrorism operative + vigilante makes ‘good bones’ for a novel but, unfortunately, so much of it just doesn’t ring true. There are so many happenstances. There’s also more than a few plot holes (albeit tiny ones) which, while they not really affecting outcomes, ticked me off for just being there. And – the kiss of death for me – the bad guys make naïve plans.
OK, there was a late plot twist that I didn’t see coming but it was too little, too late. I won’t be reading other books in the series.
The writing isn’t bad and the plot is interesting enough. A CIA counterterrorism operative + vigilante makes ‘good bones’ for a novel but, unfortunately, so much of it just doesn’t ring true. There are so many happenstances. There’s also more than a few plot holes (albeit tiny ones) which, while they not really affecting outcomes, ticked me off for just being there. And – the kiss of death for me – the bad guys make naïve plans.
OK, there was a late plot twist that I didn’t see coming but it was too little, too late. I won’t be reading other books in the series.
November 5, 2020
OMG!!.Good
I have been on one crazy thrilling ride since I discovered Alexander King and he has not disappointed. The writer brings the action to us full frontal and boy is it in 3D! The writing as always filled with fantastic, some truth and good storytelling. I love we are getting a character that's not only likable but man enough to get the job done. When I read that Xander was going it alone,something in me was like "oh we won't get to see the family", but at some point you can't keep saving the world and these smart people not start to suspect. I also still say that Sarah got a raw deal,she's perfect for Xander. So waiting for the next episode and if you are not reading this series, shame on you!
I have been on one crazy thrilling ride since I discovered Alexander King and he has not disappointed. The writer brings the action to us full frontal and boy is it in 3D! The writing as always filled with fantastic, some truth and good storytelling. I love we are getting a character that's not only likable but man enough to get the job done. When I read that Xander was going it alone,something in me was like "oh we won't get to see the family", but at some point you can't keep saving the world and these smart people not start to suspect. I also still say that Sarah got a raw deal,she's perfect for Xander. So waiting for the next episode and if you are not reading this series, shame on you!
August 22, 2020
The Secret weapon. Bradley Wright
Alexander king former Navy Seal and now an extremely covert CIA operative. To all who knew and worked with him he is dead. He faked his death to protect his friends from a certain death from terrorists. Only Sam, former MI5 knows he is alive. Their reasoning for all this? Payback. An Islamic terrorist cell in Greece is enacting revenge against America in retribution for King stopping them from killing POTUS which resulted in the death of many of their leaders. This is a non stop action thriller from the first to last page!! Enjoyed immensely!!
Alexander king former Navy Seal and now an extremely covert CIA operative. To all who knew and worked with him he is dead. He faked his death to protect his friends from a certain death from terrorists. Only Sam, former MI5 knows he is alive. Their reasoning for all this? Payback. An Islamic terrorist cell in Greece is enacting revenge against America in retribution for King stopping them from killing POTUS which resulted in the death of many of their leaders. This is a non stop action thriller from the first to last page!! Enjoyed immensely!!
January 21, 2021
It appears that Alexander King has been forced into hiding, and is now more assassin than wealthy playboy. I recognize that this is a new direction for him, but I wish the author hadn’t used the plot from what appears to be a previous “Xander King” book to propel the action. If you haven’t read the previous book, there are a lot of spoilers in this one. It really shouldn’t have been titled (Alexander King #1) when it’s a sequential book in a series. Other than that, it’s a pretty good story with some excellent twists to the plot. Alexander King is a very dangerous ghost, but others are not what the seem either.
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