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Relentless
'Dean's journey from the Special Boat Service to intrepid adventurer is truly inspirational.' - Sir Ranulph Fiennes
'An extraordinary tale of courage and adventure. Dean's story is inspirational.' - Levison Wood
'Dean's relentless determination to help those who face many mental health battles is incredible and admirable - he's a hero to many.' - Bear Grylls
For readers of Ant Middleton, Jason Fox, Brian Wood, Bear Grylls and Billy Billingham comes the extraordinary, inspirational story of Special Boat Service soldier and adventurer Dean Stott.
Everybody has heard the SAS motto that who dares wins, but special forces warrior Dean Stott also lives his life by another powerful mantra - that of the relentless pursuit of excellence. In 16 years of service, Dean rose to the top of Britain's fighting force, taking part of some of the most daring and dangerous operations in the war on terror, and then in the private security force, where missions included him singlehandedly evacuating the Canadian Embassy in Libya.
But then, following a horrific parachuting accident, Dean's dream career was cut short, and his ethos was put to its toughest test. Just like the day when Dean's dad said that he could never make it as a soldier, Dean's doctors told him that he would never again perform at the elite level.
To put it mildly, Dean disagreed, but even those that knew him were staggered by the mission that he set himself - the man who didn't own a bike would cycle the Pan American Highway, a 14,000 mile route that stretches from Argentina to Alaska, passing through some of the most dangerous countries in the world. A passionate mental health campaigner, Dean decided to up the stakes further by setting himself the task of raising a million pounds for charity. With two world records also in his sights, the stage was set for Dean to rediscover the tenacity, bravery, and downright doggedness that saw him rise to the top of the Special Forces. The final curveball arrived in the shape of a wedding invitation from his old friend Prince Harry - would he make it back in time for the royal wedding, or at all?
Dean Stott is Relentless, and this is his story.
'An extraordinary tale of courage and adventure. Dean's story is inspirational.' - Levison Wood
'Dean's relentless determination to help those who face many mental health battles is incredible and admirable - he's a hero to many.' - Bear Grylls
For readers of Ant Middleton, Jason Fox, Brian Wood, Bear Grylls and Billy Billingham comes the extraordinary, inspirational story of Special Boat Service soldier and adventurer Dean Stott.
Everybody has heard the SAS motto that who dares wins, but special forces warrior Dean Stott also lives his life by another powerful mantra - that of the relentless pursuit of excellence. In 16 years of service, Dean rose to the top of Britain's fighting force, taking part of some of the most daring and dangerous operations in the war on terror, and then in the private security force, where missions included him singlehandedly evacuating the Canadian Embassy in Libya.
But then, following a horrific parachuting accident, Dean's dream career was cut short, and his ethos was put to its toughest test. Just like the day when Dean's dad said that he could never make it as a soldier, Dean's doctors told him that he would never again perform at the elite level.
To put it mildly, Dean disagreed, but even those that knew him were staggered by the mission that he set himself - the man who didn't own a bike would cycle the Pan American Highway, a 14,000 mile route that stretches from Argentina to Alaska, passing through some of the most dangerous countries in the world. A passionate mental health campaigner, Dean decided to up the stakes further by setting himself the task of raising a million pounds for charity. With two world records also in his sights, the stage was set for Dean to rediscover the tenacity, bravery, and downright doggedness that saw him rise to the top of the Special Forces. The final curveball arrived in the shape of a wedding invitation from his old friend Prince Harry - would he make it back in time for the royal wedding, or at all?
Dean Stott is Relentless, and this is his story.
336 pages, Paperback
Published November 17, 2020
53 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 4, 2022
‘‘I’ll join the army.’ (Dean said) My dad scoffed. ‘The army? You wouldn’t last two minutes.’
And something in those words – something in his tone – hit my pride like a hammer, and I knew in that moment that I would prove him wrong. I’d join the army. I’d become a soldier. And I’d be a great one.’
I heard Dean Stott on Jocko Willink’s podcast. He came over really well so I immediately bought his book. I think he needs about three books for the life he has led. Mine would be done in three pages, tops.
Coming from an army family where his father was a career squaddie it was pretty much odds-on to where he would end up. I don’t think his father thought he would end up in the Specials Forces mind. The book is really split into three parts. Three big chunks of Dean’s life. Army and Special Forces until a horrific accident. If you are a man reading the accident and don’t wince or like me, wince, and shout f’in ‘ell then there is something wrong with you.
The next part is his own security business and travelling the world with that until family life and the fact he needs to stay alive puts a stop to that. Danger man Stott is not going to be one to put on his slippers, smoke a pipe and read a paper (that’s me). He is on to the next challenge.
Cycling the 22,000 km (13,870 miles) Pan-American Highway from Argentina to Alaska and trying to beat the world record of 117 days. This section of the book made me want to go out to the garage, pump up the tyres of my bike that I had not used since last summer and hit the road.
I must say this though and he does spend a paragraph on it but if I said to my wife when our kids were little that I was doing all this because I couldn’t hack a 9 to 5 and leaving her on her own she would not be best pleased I’m sure. He goes off to fulfill his dreams and ambitions to keep him happy while leaving his wife at home raising the kids. That would not fly in my house I’m afraid and I am sure many others. At the end of the day though he was doing this for charity and raising a lot of money (£1 million) and awareness for mental health so really can’t argue with that. Anyway, shout out to Alana, Dean’s wife.
This is a very easy read with a very personable guide. Could it be more detailed, sure. Did it need to be? Maybe in a few places but as I said you are then in the territory of a very large book. There is also the issue of the Ministry of Defence going over the military parts to ensure no secrets are given away. Stott does say that these ‘secrets help protect the lives of SF operators past and present and their families’.
I looked up the lovable rogue on the internet and found an article in the Daily Mail from 30-JUN-2019 where the Official Scottish Charity Regulator had opened a formal inquiry to look at excessive funds used from the charity’s money for the cycling world record.
I then found this article from 24-MAY-2021 in the Press and Journal Evening Express: ‘Complaints emerged after a fall out with Mr Stott’s crew, leading to accusations he had toted up £400,000 in expenses during the bike ride from Argentina to Alaska.’ ‘They also alleged he had been cutting corners to ensure he made it back home in time for the wedding of the prince – who he met in 2007 during military training – and Meghan Markle.’ ‘Having taken more than a year to look into the complaints, OSCR identified “weaknesses in the governance and stewardship of charity’s assets”, though added they “do not appear to have been deliberate”.
The Stotts have always maintained all money raised would go to charity, and that Mr Stott’s cycling would be paid for through sponsorship.’
Sounds like they had a terrible year with this.
BTW, I did get the bike out of the garage. Rode 5 miles and it nearly killed me. I’ve got some training to do before I hit the Pan-American Highway.
And something in those words – something in his tone – hit my pride like a hammer, and I knew in that moment that I would prove him wrong. I’d join the army. I’d become a soldier. And I’d be a great one.’
I heard Dean Stott on Jocko Willink’s podcast. He came over really well so I immediately bought his book. I think he needs about three books for the life he has led. Mine would be done in three pages, tops.
Coming from an army family where his father was a career squaddie it was pretty much odds-on to where he would end up. I don’t think his father thought he would end up in the Specials Forces mind. The book is really split into three parts. Three big chunks of Dean’s life. Army and Special Forces until a horrific accident. If you are a man reading the accident and don’t wince or like me, wince, and shout f’in ‘ell then there is something wrong with you.
The next part is his own security business and travelling the world with that until family life and the fact he needs to stay alive puts a stop to that. Danger man Stott is not going to be one to put on his slippers, smoke a pipe and read a paper (that’s me). He is on to the next challenge.
Cycling the 22,000 km (13,870 miles) Pan-American Highway from Argentina to Alaska and trying to beat the world record of 117 days. This section of the book made me want to go out to the garage, pump up the tyres of my bike that I had not used since last summer and hit the road.
I must say this though and he does spend a paragraph on it but if I said to my wife when our kids were little that I was doing all this because I couldn’t hack a 9 to 5 and leaving her on her own she would not be best pleased I’m sure. He goes off to fulfill his dreams and ambitions to keep him happy while leaving his wife at home raising the kids. That would not fly in my house I’m afraid and I am sure many others. At the end of the day though he was doing this for charity and raising a lot of money (£1 million) and awareness for mental health so really can’t argue with that. Anyway, shout out to Alana, Dean’s wife.
This is a very easy read with a very personable guide. Could it be more detailed, sure. Did it need to be? Maybe in a few places but as I said you are then in the territory of a very large book. There is also the issue of the Ministry of Defence going over the military parts to ensure no secrets are given away. Stott does say that these ‘secrets help protect the lives of SF operators past and present and their families’.
I looked up the lovable rogue on the internet and found an article in the Daily Mail from 30-JUN-2019 where the Official Scottish Charity Regulator had opened a formal inquiry to look at excessive funds used from the charity’s money for the cycling world record.
I then found this article from 24-MAY-2021 in the Press and Journal Evening Express: ‘Complaints emerged after a fall out with Mr Stott’s crew, leading to accusations he had toted up £400,000 in expenses during the bike ride from Argentina to Alaska.’ ‘They also alleged he had been cutting corners to ensure he made it back home in time for the wedding of the prince – who he met in 2007 during military training – and Meghan Markle.’ ‘Having taken more than a year to look into the complaints, OSCR identified “weaknesses in the governance and stewardship of charity’s assets”, though added they “do not appear to have been deliberate”.
The Stotts have always maintained all money raised would go to charity, and that Mr Stott’s cycling would be paid for through sponsorship.’
Sounds like they had a terrible year with this.
BTW, I did get the bike out of the garage. Rode 5 miles and it nearly killed me. I’ve got some training to do before I hit the Pan-American Highway.
August 29, 2021
I heard Dean Stott on the Jocko Podcast and I knew I wanted to hear his story. This was a quick and enjoyable read. The book is split primarily between his military career in the special forces and his attempt at setting a world record for cycling the PanAmerican Highway south to north.
April 11, 2022
3.25 Stars
A solid story of pushing the human limit.
A solid story of pushing the human limit.
"I think it's a good lesson for us all: when we stop moving forward, be that in learning, with challenges, or just growing as a human being, that is the point we cease to live."Dean Stott is by no means a fantastic writer, but that's probably not why you're going to read this story. The draw here is reading about someone who has nothing to do with the competitive world of cycling and deciding he is going to try to beat the record for fastest time cycled along the Pan-American highway. And this is after a significant leg injury.
"The oldest and greatest parts of the human character - like charity and hospitality - are alive and well, despite what some doom-mongers would have you believe."
July 30, 2020
Impressive stuff
You can't fail to be impressed but this guy's achievements. Can make 'normal'lives seem mundane but his point is We can all achieve more of we are just prepared to give it a go, he just takes it to extremes. It's a good read👍
You can't fail to be impressed but this guy's achievements. Can make 'normal'lives seem mundane but his point is We can all achieve more of we are just prepared to give it a go, he just takes it to extremes. It's a good read👍
June 8, 2021
“The Unrelenting Pursuit of Excellence” is Stotty’s ethos and boy does it shine in this book. I won’t say much as each chapter brings née excitement and more challenges for Dean Stott’s relentless work ethic to try to best himself, not only for himself, but for great causes. Give it a read.
October 18, 2021
I really enjoyed this book titled 'Relentless' which is an autobiography by Dean Stott, an SBS Operative who would go on to break a cycling word record as a novice.
I first heard about Dean Stott when he promoted his book on the Jocko Willink Podcast, episode #270. It was probably about a year before I actually purchased and listened to the audio version of the book but after listening to him speak on the podcast, it was quite high on my list of books to get.
Some of my key takeaways after completing this book in no particular order are:
- Don't let being a novice at something or giant obstacles put you off attempting it. As long as you are focused, relentless in the pursuit of your goal and able to push through the tough times, you can do it!
- You can turn negative experiences or peoples negative comments into fuel to help drive you to prove them wrong and better yourself. It's not recommended but it can be a powerful motivation if used correctly.
- If you are going to do anything, do it to the best of your ability.
- Always be 5 minutes early.
- It is important to be true to yourself. Dean Stott tried different careers, I am trying not to give too much away, after leaving the military but they just didn't feel right or suit him.
- Daily exercise is so important for your mental health and physical well being.
- Planning is everything and critical to a successful mission.
- Taking the time and going that extra mile to build relationships with people pays off.
- Having a royal as a friend is really very handy! ;)
If you enjoy military-style biographies or are looking for a very macho and inspiring book, then I would recommend this book to you. Especially if you read and liked a good like David Goggin's autobiography 'Can't Hurt Me', which I am actually reading at the moment, then you will enjoy this book.
I gave this book a 4 out of 5.
Enjoy!
I first heard about Dean Stott when he promoted his book on the Jocko Willink Podcast, episode #270. It was probably about a year before I actually purchased and listened to the audio version of the book but after listening to him speak on the podcast, it was quite high on my list of books to get.
Some of my key takeaways after completing this book in no particular order are:
- Don't let being a novice at something or giant obstacles put you off attempting it. As long as you are focused, relentless in the pursuit of your goal and able to push through the tough times, you can do it!
- You can turn negative experiences or peoples negative comments into fuel to help drive you to prove them wrong and better yourself. It's not recommended but it can be a powerful motivation if used correctly.
- If you are going to do anything, do it to the best of your ability.
- Always be 5 minutes early.
- It is important to be true to yourself. Dean Stott tried different careers, I am trying not to give too much away, after leaving the military but they just didn't feel right or suit him.
- Daily exercise is so important for your mental health and physical well being.
- Planning is everything and critical to a successful mission.
- Taking the time and going that extra mile to build relationships with people pays off.
- Having a royal as a friend is really very handy! ;)
If you enjoy military-style biographies or are looking for a very macho and inspiring book, then I would recommend this book to you. Especially if you read and liked a good like David Goggin's autobiography 'Can't Hurt Me', which I am actually reading at the moment, then you will enjoy this book.
I gave this book a 4 out of 5.
Enjoy!
March 1, 2022
Outstanding read
As a fellow Sapper, having worked the circuit I couldn't put Dean book down. It was an amazing read, I felt all the highs and lows.
Thank a million Dean, you are truly inspirational and a true professional.
I highly recommend you read this book, it give an personal insight from the early day as a young lad, his outstanding career with the Corps including his SF journey to his T1 Security Operator gigs.
Move fast, stay low. Strength and Honour Dean
John (Geordie) G
As a fellow Sapper, having worked the circuit I couldn't put Dean book down. It was an amazing read, I felt all the highs and lows.
Thank a million Dean, you are truly inspirational and a true professional.
I highly recommend you read this book, it give an personal insight from the early day as a young lad, his outstanding career with the Corps including his SF journey to his T1 Security Operator gigs.
Move fast, stay low. Strength and Honour Dean
John (Geordie) G
May 30, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book cover to cover. It tells a story about former special forces soldier and is highly autobiographical which in my mind is the reason why it is so interesting. The author does not shy away from describing his mental state in various stages of his life which in my opinion is quite unique for an ex-soldier book. The narrative of this book pushes the reader to search for better version of oneself which in my opinion is highly important nowadays in the age of growing apathy and indifference.
November 9, 2021
A cracking read
I first heard of Dean Stott when he was on the Jocko podcast (also highly recommended), the podcast and book dovetail together beautifully. There are parts of the book that weren’t covered in the podcast and lots of bits that were but had extra detail added when they were talking.
Dean has less an interesting life and despite setbacks keep smashing his goals and searching for nee challenges, very inspirational and also entertaining.
I first heard of Dean Stott when he was on the Jocko podcast (also highly recommended), the podcast and book dovetail together beautifully. There are parts of the book that weren’t covered in the podcast and lots of bits that were but had extra detail added when they were talking.
Dean has less an interesting life and despite setbacks keep smashing his goals and searching for nee challenges, very inspirational and also entertaining.
August 10, 2025
an inspirational book.
Well worth the time spent reading this book,after pushing himself to limits to pass SF selection only to suffer an extremely bad injury and be forced to leave the SBS , again pushing through adversity and meeting another challenge head on to cycle from the tip of South America to Alaska,this should inspire anyone in what they are doing to the next level and beyond 👊🏼👍🏻
Well worth the time spent reading this book,after pushing himself to limits to pass SF selection only to suffer an extremely bad injury and be forced to leave the SBS , again pushing through adversity and meeting another challenge head on to cycle from the tip of South America to Alaska,this should inspire anyone in what they are doing to the next level and beyond 👊🏼👍🏻
August 18, 2022
I found it hard to put this book down (or rather press pause one - I listened to it on Audible). I love hearing about stories from exSF guys, but this is so much more than that. Dean shows incredible strength of mind and body and exemplifies the growth mindset! To never settle and keep finding meaning and purpose and turn the impossible into possible. I highly recommend this book
January 6, 2023
Entertaining. Not really inspirational like "Can't Hurt Me" or, to a lesser extent, "Endure." Stott seems like a tough guy but anyone who really can't adjust to "normal" life to support his wife and children is always a bit suspect to me. In any case, the one thing I can say for certain is that he name drops Prince Harry about 1,000 times too many.
May 3, 2021
An easy read going from Army brat to world-beating cyclist. Though it does have emotion and feeling it reads in quite a clinical and removed way.
I'd also heard much of the story on a 3-hour podcast interview, but I still enjoyed it.
I'd also heard much of the story on a 3-hour podcast interview, but I still enjoyed it.
November 10, 2019
Inspirational
Reading this book made me feel as if I've done nothing with my life ... The experience and things Dean has gone through boggle the mind ...
Reading this book made me feel as if I've done nothing with my life ... The experience and things Dean has gone through boggle the mind ...
May 21, 2020
Terrific read, inspiring and insightful.
July 4, 2020
Very interesting insight into the mind of an SF soldier. It has gave me further inspiration for my own goals.
July 27, 2020
Don't expect too much about the SBS as he doesn't reveal anything in accordance with MOD policy. Still a good read.
January 1, 2021
New challenges
An interesting story of moving from Special Forces to new life challenges and adjusting to a new life outside of the military.
An interesting story of moving from Special Forces to new life challenges and adjusting to a new life outside of the military.
Read
April 1, 2021Incredible inspiration for anyone.
No matter your goals (if any) or ethos this book is an inspiring read and bloody good story! Well done Stotty
No matter your goals (if any) or ethos this book is an inspiring read and bloody good story! Well done Stotty
April 4, 2021
amazing.
May 4, 2023
Absolutely first class, what a bloke!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews