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Gray Genesis

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Afghanistan. As the war on terror intensifies, Taliban leader Abdul al-Hussain has plans to turn the tide in his favour. His objective: a US virologist named Miriam Dagher. She’s about to pay a visit to the land of her birth, and al-Hussain has her in his sights.

Out to stop al-Hussain is Sergeant Tom Gray, SAS veteran and leader of 8 Troop. His team are tasked with disrupting Taliban operations, snatching high-profile targets and wreaking havoc on enemy supply lines. Their missions are routine, until the Taliban unleashes a new breed of warrior.

Gray Genesis is a prequel to the million-selling Tom Gray series, a familiar blend of intrigue, camaraderie and explosive action.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2020

131 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Alan McDermott

31 books772 followers
Alan McDermott is a full time author from the south of England, married with beautiful twin daughters. He used to write critical applications for the NHS, but now he spends his days writing action thrillers.

His debut novel, Gray Justice, has been very well received and earned him membership of http://independentauthorsinternationa.... He was subsequently picked up by Thomas & Mercer, who published his first 10 books.

Alan's 7th novel Trojan was shortlisted for an ITW thriller award.

In March 2020 he release a new standalone called Motive, and the 7th Tom Gray will be released on June 4th 2020.

The reading order of Alan's books can be found at www.alanmcdermottbooks.co.uk

You can follow Alan on Twitter through his @Jambalian account and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GrayJustice

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5 stars
505 (59%)
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262 (31%)
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66 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Kath.
3,067 reviews
May 7, 2020
Anyone who knows me, or follows my reviews, knows that I absolutely love both this series and, well, everything else this author has published. His work has been a constant companion on my Kindle since 2011. But this series started after Tom Gray had left the forces and, although there were hints at what he got up to, we've never had the detail. Until now that is. In this book we catch up with Tom and his team in Afghanistan where they are fighting the Taliban. But it soon transpires that the Taliban are working on something so unbelievably scary that it threatens to tip the balance way in their favour. Can Tom and his team stop this new threat in its tracks before it gets established?
I don't need to say how much I loved this book. It's pretty much a given. All the things I expected to find within its pages are front and centre. Excellent level of research which once again blew me away. An excellent plot that is also once again so credible to be quite scary. Fast paced and action packed pretty much all the way. No superfluous padding or waffle. It was also great to catch up with old friends - those of you familiar with the series as a whole will understand the enormity of this statement! - and witness the excellent banter and camaraderie between them. The rivalry between Tom's team and others and the glimmers of Tom's attitude to authority which continues in the series as a whole.
I've been wondering where this book fits in the reading list for this series. Whether, if you are new to the series it's best to read this first, or whether you should start reading from Gray Justice and then go back; in order of publication. Sadly I have no answer to that but maybe that's cos I don't think it really matters - either that or my brain can't comprehend that anyone who's a fan of this genre, and worth their reading salt hasn't already read the series so will just dive straight in!
All in all, a cracking prequel which will delight fans and also, maybe, tickle the fancy of newbies to the series/author.
Profile Image for RJ.
2,044 reviews13 followers
January 28, 2021
Dr. Miriam Dagger is a scientist who for the past fifteen years has been working on a virus that would ease the pains of childbirth. During a lecture tour to promote her virus, she was kidnapped in Kabul Afghanistan. In the U.K., the Prime Minister quietly ordered elements of SAS to investigate the kidnapping, and as routine, Dr. Dagger as well. While searching Dagger’s home, a video was found revealing Dagger’s admission that Afghanistan was her birthplace, her revulsion with the U.S. political deceptions, and that her virus, that she was giving them, would turn the tide of war toward her homeland. This shocking revelation set the United States and Great Britain on a desperate course to find Dagger and stop her. Three.point.five I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Kath Middleton.
Author 23 books158 followers
June 4, 2020
This book, dealing with Tom Gray’s early life in the SAS, reminded me of why I love Alan McDermott’s books so much. It’s fast and furious, crisply written and very exciting. I suppose I’d describe it as adventure, with military leanings. While we are made aware of awful things happening there’s enough to ramp up the adrenaline without making it sickening. It’s a fine line to tread and McDermott does it very well. Readers of the series will really enjoy this but it’s also a good place to start for those who haven’t read any of Tom Gray’s adventures. I highly recommend it for anyone.
34 reviews
February 28, 2021
Where to begin and where to finish.

Finishing is easy, 2/3rds way through. Where to begin is different. After the first couple of chapters I actually thought that I had found a promising new author. Then he appeared to have eaten a certain type of mushroom. What an appalling plot. A rogue virologist develops a virus, sans any testing whatsoever that can create a professional soldier within 15 minutes of being infected! WHAT? Then there's all the plot holes and errors. This is an appalling story. Do not waste your kindle unlimited subscription downloading this.
353 reviews4 followers
July 6, 2021
5 Stars

Another great action packed read with all the old favourite characters in a staring role. As the book finishes there is mention of a quiet life …… I think not!
A huge pat on the back for the author Alan McDermott. He has created some wonderful characters and by using his writing skills has brought them to life. Well done and thank you. From me, it’s a well deserved 5 stars
Profile Image for Jeff Benham.
1,712 reviews11 followers
May 22, 2023
Suppose an American scientist devoloped a formula that would produce super soldiers, produced it in Britain and the gave it to the Afghans? This is what Tom Gray's team and his Delta comrads had to deal with and it wasn't without major losses. Major surprise toward the end. If you ever wanted to know the story of how Tom Gray got uncerimoniously removed from the SAS and all his records sealed, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Matthew.
37 reviews
June 20, 2020
Full of fast moving action!

A fast moving story that describes the trials and tribulations of a war zone. The comradeship of squads and the friendly rivalry between coalition forces - but all fighting the same enemy. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book - possibly the best of the Ton Gray series so far.
Profile Image for June Finnigan.
Author 10 books10 followers
June 10, 2020
Another brilliant prequel

It's great to read about Tom Gray's final missions before setting up his security business. The reader gets a clear vision of the man, his personality and family commitments that drive him on. A really good read.
June Finnigan - Writer
91 reviews
June 22, 2020
Excellent

As an avid reader of Alan's books it was great to read a prequel. Alan's attention to detail is second to none and a great, plausible story led me to finishing the book in record time!!
4 reviews
November 8, 2022
Tom Gray books

Loved all six books. 😊 Need some more. Characters are great,as well as elite soldiers, great friends. Tom's family history is very emotional and well written into the books.
Profile Image for Catriona Kupper.
722 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2024
It was interesting to see Tom Gray in the services, Personally I prefer the stories of the later years but that is probably genre reasons as I am not totally enamoured with Army/SAS as the whole focus of the story. It's well written and keeps your interest with enough action to make it fly
107 reviews
June 5, 2020
Utterly spellbinding. An action packed prequel to the Tom Gray series answering all the questions of the previous books.
Profile Image for Richard Lelievre.
139 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2020
Very good book! Love it. A lot of action and on top of it a very good thriller.
5 reviews4 followers
July 4, 2020
Recommended.

Great read. Well written. Genuinely enjoyed. Learnt a lot from this educated writer. I will be reading more of his books.
Profile Image for Mr Ian S Parr.
7 reviews
July 11, 2020
Superb as always

I loved it. Truly could not put it down. Great story. Really well written with graphic description at a premium.
145 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2021
Tom

Have read a few of the books about Tom Grey and the many exploits of his team. Loved every one just as much as this!
391 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2022
This was a very good read. I believe this is the first book that I have read by this author. I will be checking out more in this series.
Profile Image for Steve.
904 reviews17 followers
February 26, 2023
A good first book in a series.
There was a lot of fighting in Afghanistan, so if you don't care for that kind of thing this is not for you.
Profile Image for Lynn Bennett.
183 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this book

Great read, plenty of action, Gray and his team working against the odds as normal. Explains a lot of what happens in the other books.
4 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2024
Another brilliant book

Could not put this down. It had me on the edge of my seat. I would highly recommend all of Alan's books
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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