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The Blackthorn Thrillers #1
Sanctioned
He wanted a quiet retirement. But there’s a bullet out there with his name on it…
Covert operative Czerny Clark has had his fill of black-ops and bloodshed. After an assassination mission ends in chaos, he vows to hang up his holster. But when his former partner disappears while tailing a Russian explosives expert, Clark picks up his guns and dives back into the life he thought he left behind.
Following a trail of bodies to Central America, Clark will stop at nothing to free his colleague. But while he’s busy squeezing the trigger on his rescue mission, a plan for a devastating act of terrorism brews in the wings.
Can Clark neutralize a madman before thousands of innocents die?
Sanctioned is the heart-stopping first book in the Blackthorn spy thriller series. If you like gritty heroes, pulse-pounding plots, and top-secret twists, then you’ll love R.A. McGee’s blood-soaked tale.
Covert operative Czerny Clark has had his fill of black-ops and bloodshed. After an assassination mission ends in chaos, he vows to hang up his holster. But when his former partner disappears while tailing a Russian explosives expert, Clark picks up his guns and dives back into the life he thought he left behind.
Following a trail of bodies to Central America, Clark will stop at nothing to free his colleague. But while he’s busy squeezing the trigger on his rescue mission, a plan for a devastating act of terrorism brews in the wings.
Can Clark neutralize a madman before thousands of innocents die?
Sanctioned is the heart-stopping first book in the Blackthorn spy thriller series. If you like gritty heroes, pulse-pounding plots, and top-secret twists, then you’ll love R.A. McGee’s blood-soaked tale.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2020
240 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 18, 2020
Clark and his agency are still investigating who was behind the attempted Swiss zoo bombing and uncover information about another bombing. Lots of action and a few surprises while the plot unfolds.
May 17, 2020
Loved it!
The characters were outstanding. I have to admit that going into this book I was hesitant to love Clark like I did porter but damn, he’s a good guy that gives the bad guys a hard time I just love that! I love action and suspense I couldn’t stop reading it till the end. I’m so looking forward to the next book unfortunately I have to wait till the end of June. I could picture the streets of Costa Rica. I loved this book. I’m going to get a hard copy for my library. Thanks Magee
The characters were outstanding. I have to admit that going into this book I was hesitant to love Clark like I did porter but damn, he’s a good guy that gives the bad guys a hard time I just love that! I love action and suspense I couldn’t stop reading it till the end. I’m so looking forward to the next book unfortunately I have to wait till the end of June. I could picture the streets of Costa Rica. I loved this book. I’m going to get a hard copy for my library. Thanks Magee
January 1, 2022
This is a thriller series known as Blackthorn, which is an off the books anti-terrorist organization secretly funded by the U.S. Government. The primary agent for Blackthorn is Czerny Clark, an ex-special forces soldier. This story has plenty of action as Clark and his team oppose an off the books Russian organization attempting to set-off an EMP device to disrupt all electrical devices nearby. It seems to be a realistic plot with plenty of new technical gadgets to help the Blackthorn team. If these devices are real and not part of the fiction in this fictional story, they are amazing. Of course, it is not all technical advantage for the good guys. Plenty of skill and operational smarts in the field is needed as well. Great action, above average story line and interesting characters make this book a compelling read.
June 2, 2020
Never a dull moment…
Whether he is taking out the bad guys while rescuing a friend and preventing a tragedy, planning for his future, discovering who his real enemies are or just plain coping with his own reality, Clark will mesmerize readers with his fast paced, living on the edge lifestyle. I do not relish violence but these action- packed adventures are so very engaging – well-written and full of surprises.
All of the other characters are clearly drawn with distinguishing qualities that bring them to life and add to the drama. This is a real page-turner. It is exciting and thought provoking at the same time.
Whether he is taking out the bad guys while rescuing a friend and preventing a tragedy, planning for his future, discovering who his real enemies are or just plain coping with his own reality, Clark will mesmerize readers with his fast paced, living on the edge lifestyle. I do not relish violence but these action- packed adventures are so very engaging – well-written and full of surprises.
All of the other characters are clearly drawn with distinguishing qualities that bring them to life and add to the drama. This is a real page-turner. It is exciting and thought provoking at the same time.
February 19, 2022
Sanctioned - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
An introduction to Czerny Clark, assassin for a covert US Government agency, comes in RA McGee's Blackthorn Thrillers Series opener, Sanctioned.
Clark is seriously considering retirement from the world of international espionage, after his hit on a Mexican Cartel's financier is disrupted, as a Blackthorn traitor has betrayed information enabling foreign abductors snatch the man - and only Clark can step up to save him.
Whose lives will be endangered by treachery?
A cliffhanger-ending to Sanctioned keeps the reader guessing, but luckily Book 2, Disavowed, is ready and waiting for our hero's next voyage into danger. Get your copy now!
An introduction to Czerny Clark, assassin for a covert US Government agency, comes in RA McGee's Blackthorn Thrillers Series opener, Sanctioned.
Clark is seriously considering retirement from the world of international espionage, after his hit on a Mexican Cartel's financier is disrupted, as a Blackthorn traitor has betrayed information enabling foreign abductors snatch the man - and only Clark can step up to save him.
Whose lives will be endangered by treachery?
A cliffhanger-ending to Sanctioned keeps the reader guessing, but luckily Book 2, Disavowed, is ready and waiting for our hero's next voyage into danger. Get your copy now!
May 13, 2020
This is an exceptional beginning to what promises to be an exciting and suspenseful series. Just when you think our hero is getting a handle on things, surprise! If you're a fan of Reacher, you will absolutely love Czerny Clark. Well written, clean editing, and a writing style that sucks you in and never lets go. This is edge of your seat excitement that rivals the best. And did I mention some seriously wicked character development? If you love strong believable characters, you've found the author of your dreams. Kudos to McGee!
August 31, 2021
McGee Delivers A Successful Power Punch
I love reading the series with Porter. This new series of Blackthorn delivers a first great book. Sometimes I have said before I wish he added more meat and less implication--that is a person need but does not distract too much from the story telling. He left this book ending with so many lines of intrigue and deceit for future tales...I really look forward to the books. Hurry. Please. My rating is Read It.
I love reading the series with Porter. This new series of Blackthorn delivers a first great book. Sometimes I have said before I wish he added more meat and less implication--that is a person need but does not distract too much from the story telling. He left this book ending with so many lines of intrigue and deceit for future tales...I really look forward to the books. Hurry. Please. My rating is Read It.
November 19, 2021
Missed the target.
I thought I would like this author and this book, but I found it hard to stay interested in the storyline. Seems like every author now days is writing about black ops types who are easy to like as the protagonist, just could not like this group. The author, to me, did not give me enough information to buy into their strengths, weaknesses, or anything to help develop the characters and story.
I thought I would like this author and this book, but I found it hard to stay interested in the storyline. Seems like every author now days is writing about black ops types who are easy to like as the protagonist, just could not like this group. The author, to me, did not give me enough information to buy into their strengths, weaknesses, or anything to help develop the characters and story.
July 10, 2025
Another wonderful story!
I have to admit that I didn't know what to expect from this new series, but it is a great tale. It has more twists and turns than the old Coney Island Fun House. (Yes, I am that old) Mr. McGee has spun another great story! By the way, if you join his reader's group, you will find that he also writes short stories in serial fashion. Just like the old Saturday morning serials at the movie theaters. I am looking forward to this new series.
I have to admit that I didn't know what to expect from this new series, but it is a great tale. It has more twists and turns than the old Coney Island Fun House. (Yes, I am that old) Mr. McGee has spun another great story! By the way, if you join his reader's group, you will find that he also writes short stories in serial fashion. Just like the old Saturday morning serials at the movie theaters. I am looking forward to this new series.
November 13, 2021
Lot's of machinations in this one. And I am OK with that. I liked the characters and the relationship between Dust and Eclipse was great. Since this is #1 in the series, I can see a lot of ways for this to go and a lot of stories that can come from this initial plot. I will try to find the next one and see what happens in Mexico.
December 4, 2024
Clark is no Porter!
I absolutely LOVE the Porter series and was hoping to fall in love with Clark. The storyline was good but there were too many descriptions about the foreign espionage agencies. I liked Clark's character but not as much as Porter. The story left several unanswered questions so, I can only assume that there will be a Part 2 to wrap things up.
I absolutely LOVE the Porter series and was hoping to fall in love with Clark. The storyline was good but there were too many descriptions about the foreign espionage agencies. I liked Clark's character but not as much as Porter. The story left several unanswered questions so, I can only assume that there will be a Part 2 to wrap things up.
December 18, 2020
New protagonist from this terrific author. McGee does a great job on making these characters believable and the reader becomes invested in them. Clark and Miri are a great team and looking forward to their other adventures.
November 23, 2021
A little formulaic
Nothing you haven’t read before, but still enjoyable enough. The author needed a better editor to catch some continuity errors.
The author gave the book away free for a promotion, but it isn’t good enough for me to buy the continuation of the series.
Nothing you haven’t read before, but still enjoyable enough. The author needed a better editor to catch some continuity errors.
The author gave the book away free for a promotion, but it isn’t good enough for me to buy the continuation of the series.
November 26, 2021
This book has a lot of murder, mayhem and
detailed descriptions of murders most foul. Clark is the head of a small team of black ops professionals. They are all killers who have each other’s back no matter what.
detailed descriptions of murders most foul. Clark is the head of a small team of black ops professionals. They are all killers who have each other’s back no matter what.
November 27, 2021
couldn’t put it down
I suspect most people are like me, a handful of authors they read almost exclusively. We’ll, I just added R.A. McGee to my short list. “Sanctioned” was a thrilling ride I hope to repeat with more of Mr. McGee’s work.
I suspect most people are like me, a handful of authors they read almost exclusively. We’ll, I just added R.A. McGee to my short list. “Sanctioned” was a thrilling ride I hope to repeat with more of Mr. McGee’s work.
December 8, 2021
Gripping!
What a team. Wonder Woman replacing Robin at Batman’s side. Lee Child and Stan Lee have been outmatched with this duo. I loved this action packed story and wonder how the next book in the series can compete.
What a team. Wonder Woman replacing Robin at Batman’s side. Lee Child and Stan Lee have been outmatched with this duo. I loved this action packed story and wonder how the next book in the series can compete.
July 12, 2020
Cliffhanger to the end
Lots of twists and turns to keep those pages turning. As expected from this author, a great read that I couldn’t put down.
Lots of twists and turns to keep those pages turning. As expected from this author, a great read that I couldn’t put down.
November 7, 2021
A interesting spy story told very well.
The story was sad since his beloved was killed, but the action throughout the remainder of the story kept you on edge until the end.
The story was sad since his beloved was killed, but the action throughout the remainder of the story kept you on edge until the end.
November 7, 2021
A real thriller!
This was a real page turner! You think you have it figured out, but there are a few surprises! Very engrossing read and thoroughly enjoyable !
This was a real page turner! You think you have it figured out, but there are a few surprises! Very engrossing read and thoroughly enjoyable !
November 15, 2021
Exceptional Characters
This is a great book. The two main characters are exceptionally talented
I think the plot was very good and carried out extremely well.
This is a great book. The two main characters are exceptionally talented
I think the plot was very good and carried out extremely well.
December 4, 2021
Great action, story, characters. Just what McGee does, The end justifies the means.
December 28, 2021
Not the best book of the year, almost didn’t finish the story. Actually, it’s part one of an ongoing storyline. I do NOT like a book that has a hard entrance to a continuing storyline. Bummer!
December 28, 2021
Spy v spy v spy
No longer the Russian government attempting to take over the world, the oligarchs are now in control...and they are deadlier
No longer the Russian government attempting to take over the world, the oligarchs are now in control...and they are deadlier
January 4, 2022
Exciting and full of spy thrills and chills, it was sometimes a challenge to follow, especially at the beginning. Main characters are pretty hardened.
February 10, 2022
Action packed with a twist I did not see coming.
March 18, 2022
l like the way this guy writes.
Good fast moving story. Not as much ‘fluff’ as others. I don’t need to know how many leaves are on a tree. I am looking forward to book 2.
Good fast moving story. Not as much ‘fluff’ as others. I don’t need to know how many leaves are on a tree. I am looking forward to book 2.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews