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The Mad Mick #4
Northern Sun
A new mission. An old rival. The powerful secret that binds them.
Since the U.S. collapsed into chaos, Conor Maguire has fought to keep his family and friends safe, turning away attackers who threatened their community, seeking to live off the spoils of theft and murder. Fortunately, Conor is no stranger to fighting. In fact it’s his job. He’s an old-school assassin with an arsenal of wicked tricks up his sleeve.
When Conor is called back to work for the first time since the terror attacks, he learns that business is good. With no media and no law, anyone with a score to settle is working hard to take out their enemies before order is restored. A high-end assassin with an impressive resume can set their own price.When Conor and his partner reach their target they find that all is not as it seems. One small job, killing a shady financier, quickly becomes something larger. However, this discovery will pale in comparison to the biggest revelation of this mission—a secret that will change Conor’s life forever.
Since the U.S. collapsed into chaos, Conor Maguire has fought to keep his family and friends safe, turning away attackers who threatened their community, seeking to live off the spoils of theft and murder. Fortunately, Conor is no stranger to fighting. In fact it’s his job. He’s an old-school assassin with an arsenal of wicked tricks up his sleeve.
When Conor is called back to work for the first time since the terror attacks, he learns that business is good. With no media and no law, anyone with a score to settle is working hard to take out their enemies before order is restored. A high-end assassin with an impressive resume can set their own price.When Conor and his partner reach their target they find that all is not as it seems. One small job, killing a shady financier, quickly becomes something larger. However, this discovery will pale in comparison to the biggest revelation of this mission—a secret that will change Conor’s life forever.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2020
485 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Franklin Horton
57 books369 followersFranklin Horton lives and writes in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. He attended Virginia Intermont College and Virginia Commonwealth University. In his spare time he pursues outdoor adventures with his wife and two children. His interests include camping, kayaking, backpacking, mountain biking, and shooting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 24, 2024
I finished “Northern Sun” by Franklin Horton (2020), book 4 in the Mad Mick series. This story involves a new character, Shani, a Mossad agent that has a rocky history with Connor. The two of them are hired by the CIA to take out a terrorist financier while the chaos that he helped create guarantees that there won’t be close scrutiny of his death. While executing the mission, Connor and Shani find intelligence about where a bunch of other terrorist cells are hiding in the USA that are continuing their mission of America’s destruction.
I thought this one was a clever way of adding some variety to the series: from the start of the Mad Mick books, it was established that Connor had a history of being contracted by the CIA for wet work, so the idea that it would happen again didn’t seem phony or forced. I also thought it was a good idea to get away from the locale where the rest of the books had, thus far, taken place. I thought the execution was graceful, overall.
One little thing that kind of seemed out of place with this book was that Horton seemed to emphasize Connor’s image as a sort of daffy, middle-aged dad with a propensity for overeating. In previous books, I had more of an image of Connor being a blood-crazed Celtic warrior who is able to best the likes of slave trading gangs, sociopathic murderers, and gang members with military training and gear, making this softer image of Connor not really seem consistent with previous installments of the story. This didn’t ruin the read, but it was in the back of my mind the whole time as I read.
Overall, I liked this book quite a lot and I’m really interested to see where the rest of the series goes after this one, since it seems like now there’s almost infinite possibilities.
I thought this one was a clever way of adding some variety to the series: from the start of the Mad Mick books, it was established that Connor had a history of being contracted by the CIA for wet work, so the idea that it would happen again didn’t seem phony or forced. I also thought it was a good idea to get away from the locale where the rest of the books had, thus far, taken place. I thought the execution was graceful, overall.
One little thing that kind of seemed out of place with this book was that Horton seemed to emphasize Connor’s image as a sort of daffy, middle-aged dad with a propensity for overeating. In previous books, I had more of an image of Connor being a blood-crazed Celtic warrior who is able to best the likes of slave trading gangs, sociopathic murderers, and gang members with military training and gear, making this softer image of Connor not really seem consistent with previous installments of the story. This didn’t ruin the read, but it was in the back of my mind the whole time as I read.
Overall, I liked this book quite a lot and I’m really interested to see where the rest of the series goes after this one, since it seems like now there’s almost infinite possibilities.
October 20, 2020
A departure from the series in a way. Unlike the other books, where you see normals, preppers, and even operators like the Mad Mick operate within today's society, this book gives us a glimpse into what the Mad Mick did before things went to pot.
I'm always surprised at how much seems to be packed into these books. When I can read them in a day or two, they often seem packed to the brim with story. This one almost could have been two novels.
I like seeing this change. I love the original series, but since the writer has recently gone full time, I enjoy seeing these branch off's where he's trying something different. As much as I love them, I think that if he stuck to the same formula, he'd get pigeon holed into a role and you'd get people complaining he's growing stagnant, while at the same time, complaining that he's not giving them the same old, same old, that they know and love.
It's a catch 22 with many types of media and I think he's handling it well. By writing a lot he's able to split the universe up into several overlapping and interwoven series where he can do different things. This book and his Ty Stone novel wouldn't really be appropriate in the Borrowed World-verse, but it's great to experience something a little different. Like when he did "Burning Down Boise". Similar, but with a completely different feel.
I really enjoyed "Northern Sun" and recommend all of the authors books. I really enjoyed it, and it contains not only grow of certain characters I've been waiting on, but a huge twist that will heavily impact these branch of novels going forward.
I'm always surprised at how much seems to be packed into these books. When I can read them in a day or two, they often seem packed to the brim with story. This one almost could have been two novels.
I like seeing this change. I love the original series, but since the writer has recently gone full time, I enjoy seeing these branch off's where he's trying something different. As much as I love them, I think that if he stuck to the same formula, he'd get pigeon holed into a role and you'd get people complaining he's growing stagnant, while at the same time, complaining that he's not giving them the same old, same old, that they know and love.
It's a catch 22 with many types of media and I think he's handling it well. By writing a lot he's able to split the universe up into several overlapping and interwoven series where he can do different things. This book and his Ty Stone novel wouldn't really be appropriate in the Borrowed World-verse, but it's great to experience something a little different. Like when he did "Burning Down Boise". Similar, but with a completely different feel.
I really enjoyed "Northern Sun" and recommend all of the authors books. I really enjoyed it, and it contains not only grow of certain characters I've been waiting on, but a huge twist that will heavily impact these branch of novels going forward.
September 11, 2020
Northern Sun. Franklin Horton
Conor, known as the Mad Mick has teamed up with an old acquaintance,and former partner in the organization he works for. She is a former and very lethal Mossad operative named Shani. They have a deep respect for each other but it's tension riddled. They both are bull headed, stubborn and don't like taking orders from others. They both are leaders, not followers . This being said, they actually work well together. They are on a mission in Michigan to investigate a possible terrorist location and eliminate with extreme prejudice. A few hostages to interrogate on the location of other possible terrorist location in America is also part of their assignment. This is an action packed extremely fast paced read which I enjoyed immensely!! There is also A surprise ending I will not give up! My highest recommendation!!
Conor, known as the Mad Mick has teamed up with an old acquaintance,and former partner in the organization he works for. She is a former and very lethal Mossad operative named Shani. They have a deep respect for each other but it's tension riddled. They both are bull headed, stubborn and don't like taking orders from others. They both are leaders, not followers . This being said, they actually work well together. They are on a mission in Michigan to investigate a possible terrorist location and eliminate with extreme prejudice. A few hostages to interrogate on the location of other possible terrorist location in America is also part of their assignment. This is an action packed extremely fast paced read which I enjoyed immensely!! There is also A surprise ending I will not give up! My highest recommendation!!
October 16, 2022
The Mad Mick is back in action this time with a Israeli operative from his past as part of the team. They go after the terrorists who were responsible for the power outages and in Mad Mick style raise all kinds of mayhem. I do not like to put spoilers in reviews so I wont be doing that. If you are thinking about reading this series I can tell you that four books in its still edge of the seat entertaining. You definitely need to read this series in order. I was reading the borrowed world series and got to a point where clearly there had been a Mad Mick book that overlapped with it so I put that series down and I am catching up on this one so both stores are intertwined at some point. I am not there yet. But they are in the same universe which I am really enjoying.
#franklinhorton
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#franklinhorton
#postapocalypse
#madmick
September 10, 2020
Mad Mick
Spoiler alert.
You will love this book. Once you start ....well you won't stop. That's it.
I am a history lover which includes reading about the hows and whys of the military- the men, battles, weapons. This series gives me the push that sparks a interest and makes me step out of my box and learn. It makes we want to be better prepared. Work out, garden, the range and learning new skills. Franklin Horton's books do just that. He puts ideas in my head...(which most men already know) and gets me up and signing up for classes to do just that.
Being a woman I do like my happily ever. I kept thinking when is Mad Max get 'lucky'? Well, let the foreplay again.
Definitely recommend. 5+ stars.
Spoiler alert.
You will love this book. Once you start ....well you won't stop. That's it.
I am a history lover which includes reading about the hows and whys of the military- the men, battles, weapons. This series gives me the push that sparks a interest and makes me step out of my box and learn. It makes we want to be better prepared. Work out, garden, the range and learning new skills. Franklin Horton's books do just that. He puts ideas in my head...(which most men already know) and gets me up and signing up for classes to do just that.
Being a woman I do like my happily ever. I kept thinking when is Mad Max get 'lucky'? Well, let the foreplay again.
Definitely recommend. 5+ stars.
October 14, 2020
The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5, is because it seemed to lack that symphony of mayhem which defines the Mad Mick style of taking care of business. That said, it was still a great story. Rather than more of the same, defending the homefront, Connor heads on a mission for his old employer. In the process, they find a lead on those who'd attacked the country and were responsible for putting them in their apocalyptic straits. Northern Sun also dug deeper into Connor's past and life before the collapse, as well a surprise even he didn't know about until now.
All-in-all, I'd love to listen to more of these missions as they continue the mission creep, tracking down those responsible for collapsing the US. Just be sure to let Connor keep going over-the-top.
All-in-all, I'd love to listen to more of these missions as they continue the mission creep, tracking down those responsible for collapsing the US. Just be sure to let Connor keep going over-the-top.
July 25, 2025
Connor's long-time employer located the terrorist group that turned the world upside down. The Mad Mick is needed again to find them and eliminate them with his brand of dramatic flair. Connor is realizing he is not as young as he used to be, but he can still do the job he was hired to do.
We have gone from protecting his family and neighbors to proactively hunting killers. A new twist on the Mad Mick series, and I liked it. Although there is one scene with a tortured prisoner and his testicles that was traumatizing to me. It will be a while before I can get that out of my mind. Full-body shiver! Lol
We have gone from protecting his family and neighbors to proactively hunting killers. A new twist on the Mad Mick series, and I liked it. Although there is one scene with a tortured prisoner and his testicles that was traumatizing to me. It will be a while before I can get that out of my mind. Full-body shiver! Lol
October 24, 2020
This forth book in the series was a welcome change of scenery from the first three. Instead of focusing on issues regarding the Mick's community we instead find the Mick on a covert mission against some of the terrorists who struck the US.
The introduction of Shoni was a welcome character addition and played off Connor well. I'd like to see book five continue to follow the terrorist thread deeper down the rabbit hole.
The introduction of Shoni was a welcome character addition and played off Connor well. I'd like to see book five continue to follow the terrorist thread deeper down the rabbit hole.
March 28, 2021
Excellent book!
The Mad Mick continues his adventure with some new companions in this installment of the series. The action starts early and keeps up for the entire book. The tale keeps you glued to the pages and leaves you wanting more as you ride along to watch Conor and his team cut a swath of violence through the people who helped to bring the country to its knees. Definitely a must read.
The Mad Mick continues his adventure with some new companions in this installment of the series. The action starts early and keeps up for the entire book. The tale keeps you glued to the pages and leaves you wanting more as you ride along to watch Conor and his team cut a swath of violence through the people who helped to bring the country to its knees. Definitely a must read.
September 19, 2022
Another Mad Mick mission...
As intelligence becomes available that points to the terrorists that were responsible for the lights being extinguished in the United States being not only still in the country but planning further attacks geared toward civilian communities, Mad Nick's handler reaches out to him to put together a team to stop the attackers and locate any others involved... And that mission continues to expand! Another tour de force for the Mick and crew!
As intelligence becomes available that points to the terrorists that were responsible for the lights being extinguished in the United States being not only still in the country but planning further attacks geared toward civilian communities, Mad Nick's handler reaches out to him to put together a team to stop the attackers and locate any others involved... And that mission continues to expand! Another tour de force for the Mick and crew!
Read
November 23, 2022Good read
Its definitely a page turner! My biggest complaint is Barb! She's just to intense to the point of annoyance, kinda like the action hero's in some of the over the top action movies. My other complaint is feeling I HAD to read The Mad Mick series after it was kind of forced on me with the much better "Jim Powell series(I forget the series name atm)"
Overall Franklin writes good post apocalypse series. Top 15 author at best
Its definitely a page turner! My biggest complaint is Barb! She's just to intense to the point of annoyance, kinda like the action hero's in some of the over the top action movies. My other complaint is feeling I HAD to read The Mad Mick series after it was kind of forced on me with the much better "Jim Powell series(I forget the series name atm)"
Overall Franklin writes good post apocalypse series. Top 15 author at best
October 31, 2023
A great read for an ex military man
I read the first three Mad Mick books and got hung up on other authors. When i saw there were new, to me Mm books I could not wait to get into them. This book appealed to me in the way Franklin told the story. Probably the best action book i have read in a while. If you havent read any Mad Mick, please start the series with book one and remember this, the 4th book is waiting for you.
I read the first three Mad Mick books and got hung up on other authors. When i saw there were new, to me Mm books I could not wait to get into them. This book appealed to me in the way Franklin told the story. Probably the best action book i have read in a while. If you havent read any Mad Mick, please start the series with book one and remember this, the 4th book is waiting for you.
March 18, 2025
Conor is tasked to take out one of the terrorists that attacked the US. This time, he is paired up with an old colleague, on/off Mossad agent Shani. When they find the target, they also find a whole gathering of terrorists. After questioning the captives, Conor and his team learn there is another group attacking locals. This, naturally, won't do, so off they go to kill bad guys.
This is another action packed page turner.
This is another action packed page turner.
May 13, 2025
Hooked On One
Anticipated great reading and gathering knowledge of ideas in difficult situations for preparing and prepping. Never have I read books that captivates and holds my attention as these four, to the point that i move in with the people, and become family. The brutality/killing does not sit well but I realize the need! Thank you Franklin Horton for sharing your talent with us!
Anticipated great reading and gathering knowledge of ideas in difficult situations for preparing and prepping. Never have I read books that captivates and holds my attention as these four, to the point that i move in with the people, and become family. The brutality/killing does not sit well but I realize the need! Thank you Franklin Horton for sharing your talent with us!
September 11, 2020
Loved
I loved this book. I love Mad Mick & Barb and how they carry on with each other and also all the other characters. Another great book by Franklin Horton. Can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of Franklin’s books. I listened to this book on Audible and Kevin Pierce is a great narrator.
I loved this book. I love Mad Mick & Barb and how they carry on with each other and also all the other characters. Another great book by Franklin Horton. Can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of Franklin’s books. I listened to this book on Audible and Kevin Pierce is a great narrator.
September 22, 2020
Excellent job with character development
I've read a lot of books over the years and it is refreshing to read an author who is smart and who at times let's you feel like you're part of the story rarely have I laughed out loud reading a book or felt an emotional connection to cuz like I have with this series well done
I've read a lot of books over the years and it is refreshing to read an author who is smart and who at times let's you feel like you're part of the story rarely have I laughed out loud reading a book or felt an emotional connection to cuz like I have with this series well done
October 26, 2020
How dare you write such an engaging book and leave me hanging like this? Where is Book 5?? Get to it, man! You've sucked me in and now I'm having withdrawals waiting for the next episode of Mad Mick mayhem.
A bit of a departure from the last three books, but the pace has picked up even more. There's retrospection, there's retribution, and there are twists and turns. Well done.
A bit of a departure from the last three books, but the pace has picked up even more. There's retrospection, there's retribution, and there are twists and turns. Well done.
December 23, 2020
Exciting
I always worry when you get several books into a series that they will start to seem forced and lack the excitement of the first story. Not so with our Mad Mick. Franklin Horton delivers this episode with the same hurricane-force impact as the first book. Join Mick as he goes after the terrorists that brought the US to the edge.
I always worry when you get several books into a series that they will start to seem forced and lack the excitement of the first story. Not so with our Mad Mick. Franklin Horton delivers this episode with the same hurricane-force impact as the first book. Join Mick as he goes after the terrorists that brought the US to the edge.
Read
February 25, 2021Keeps getting better
This one is a great read. Book #4 does not disappoint. I am wishing another book was already out because I would be reading instead of writing this review. The responsiveness of the characters in this book really starts to draw you just in. Love the new operation and craziness that is going on.
This one is a great read. Book #4 does not disappoint. I am wishing another book was already out because I would be reading instead of writing this review. The responsiveness of the characters in this book really starts to draw you just in. Love the new operation and craziness that is going on.
August 16, 2021
Great book
I handbrake a break from mad Mick to read other series. I'm very soother I came back because this book was amazing. I've had a hard time putting it down. absolutely loved the twists and can't wait to dive into the next one to see where the story goes from here. Fantastic job Mr Horton.
I handbrake a break from mad Mick to read other series. I'm very soother I came back because this book was amazing. I've had a hard time putting it down. absolutely loved the twists and can't wait to dive into the next one to see where the story goes from here. Fantastic job Mr Horton.
October 5, 2021
Northern escapades
The Mad Mick steps away from his mountaintop hideaway to conquer more evil. He’s joined by a former colleague - the two settle into an uneasy peace to accomplish their mission.
The task expands requiring more shooters. Doc and Barb are natural extensions to the team.
An unexpected revelation takes Conor aback.
The Mad Mick steps away from his mountaintop hideaway to conquer more evil. He’s joined by a former colleague - the two settle into an uneasy peace to accomplish their mission.
The task expands requiring more shooters. Doc and Barb are natural extensions to the team.
An unexpected revelation takes Conor aback.
November 15, 2021
Northern escapades
The Mad Mick steps away from his mountaintop hideaway to conquer more evil. He’s joined by a former colleague - the two settle into an uneasy peace to accomplish their mission.
The task expands requiring more shooters. Doc and Barb are natural extensions to the team.
An unexpected revelation takes Conor aback.
The Mad Mick steps away from his mountaintop hideaway to conquer more evil. He’s joined by a former colleague - the two settle into an uneasy peace to accomplish their mission.
The task expands requiring more shooters. Doc and Barb are natural extensions to the team.
An unexpected revelation takes Conor aback.
February 15, 2023
In the continuing saga of the Mad Mick saga, Northern Sun paints our hero, Conor Maguire, in a different light than before. Yes, he is still the necessary destructive force in a world that seems lost because of apocalyptic forces, but a softer side is beginning to emerge with the story of something new being birthed in his and his daughter Barb's lives. Something no one anticipates.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2023
Some weird stuff.
This was one of the best stories to ever say what should be done to make sure we are safe. Sometimes the gloves have to come off, the sweet talk put away, and the brass knuckles put on. Shakespeare was right, hang the lawyers. Off the soapbox now. This is a very good and well written book and I hope it doesn't lose anything in later stores.
This was one of the best stories to ever say what should be done to make sure we are safe. Sometimes the gloves have to come off, the sweet talk put away, and the brass knuckles put on. Shakespeare was right, hang the lawyers. Off the soapbox now. This is a very good and well written book and I hope it doesn't lose anything in later stores.
September 9, 2020
Horton does it again
I can't wait for the next adventure of Mad Mick and his family. This installment brought a twist I didn't expect, and that's always good. Once again Horton has developed a plot with more twists and turns than a mountain pass.
I can't wait for the next adventure of Mad Mick and his family. This installment brought a twist I didn't expect, and that's always good. Once again Horton has developed a plot with more twists and turns than a mountain pass.
September 11, 2020
Another great read
Horton has once again gifted us with a fast paced,hard core Mad Mick book. Involving people we know and introducing to new. Love how inventive Mad Mick is. Always something new and different.
Horton has once again gifted us with a fast paced,hard core Mad Mick book. Involving people we know and introducing to new. Love how inventive Mad Mick is. Always something new and different.
September 13, 2020
Action and adventure
Mad Mick has a little help this time fighting terrorists. Only problem with this story as with everything Horton writes is it makes other authors look like wannabes. He is amazing. Waiting now for the next book.
Mad Mick has a little help this time fighting terrorists. Only problem with this story as with everything Horton writes is it makes other authors look like wannabes. He is amazing. Waiting now for the next book.
September 14, 2020
Horton Hits Another Home Run
Franklin Horton is one of the Authors whose works i eagerly await Of all his series, the Mad Mick spinoff has to be my favorite. All his works capture my full attention but this series pulls out all the stops for me. I highly recommend his works.
Franklin Horton is one of the Authors whose works i eagerly await Of all his series, the Mad Mick spinoff has to be my favorite. All his works capture my full attention but this series pulls out all the stops for me. I highly recommend his works.
September 14, 2020
The best yet!
This is the best of the series yet! WTFranklin???? You better be working on the next one quickly. While I have enjoyed the others in the series, you opened a new dynamic with this one. We want more of the Mad Mick!!!
This is the best of the series yet! WTFranklin???? You better be working on the next one quickly. While I have enjoyed the others in the series, you opened a new dynamic with this one. We want more of the Mad Mick!!!
September 19, 2020
Good Mad Mick
This book is another good episode of Conan the Mad Mick. This time he brings his daughter into the dark side of Special Ops. Of course she fits right in. The only semi bad side to this story.is that the story is very short. Now I can't wait for the next one.
This book is another good episode of Conan the Mad Mick. This time he brings his daughter into the dark side of Special Ops. Of course she fits right in. The only semi bad side to this story.is that the story is very short. Now I can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews