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James Acton Thrillers #2
Brass Monkey
WILL A FORGOTTEN WEAPON AND AN UNCONTROLLABLE HATE UNLEASH THE ULTIMATE WAR?
A nuclear missile, lost during the Cold War, is now in play—the most public spy swap in history, with a gorgeous agent at the center of international attention, triggers the endgame of a corrupt Soviet colonel's 25-year plan. Pursued across the globe by the Russian authorities, including a brutal Spetsnaz unit, those involved will stop at nothing to deliver their weapon and ensure their payday, regardless of the terrifying consequences.
When Laura Palmer confronts a UNICEF group for trespassing on her Egyptian archaeological dig site, she unwittingly stumbles upon the ultimate weapons deal, and becomes entangled in an international conspiracy that sends her lover, Archaeology Professor James Acton, racing to Egypt with the most unlikely of allies, not only to rescue her, but to prevent the start of a holy war that could result in Islam and Christianity wiping each other out.
A nuclear missile, lost during the Cold War, is now in play—the most public spy swap in history, with a gorgeous agent at the center of international attention, triggers the endgame of a corrupt Soviet colonel's 25-year plan. Pursued across the globe by the Russian authorities, including a brutal Spetsnaz unit, those involved will stop at nothing to deliver their weapon and ensure their payday, regardless of the terrifying consequences.
When Laura Palmer confronts a UNICEF group for trespassing on her Egyptian archaeological dig site, she unwittingly stumbles upon the ultimate weapons deal, and becomes entangled in an international conspiracy that sends her lover, Archaeology Professor James Acton, racing to Egypt with the most unlikely of allies, not only to rescue her, but to prevent the start of a holy war that could result in Islam and Christianity wiping each other out.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
284 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
J. Robert Kennedy
102 books299 followersWith over one million books sold, award winning and USA Today bestselling author J. Robert Kennedy has been ranked by Amazon as the #1 Bestselling Action Adventure novelist based upon combined sales. He is the author of over fifty international bestsellers including the smash hit James Acton Thrillers. He lives with his wife and daughter and writes full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 22, 2024
That was very good. I wish it hadn’t taken me so long to get through it but this was a kindle book not an audiobook. I get through audiobooks so much faster because I can listen while I work, drive, etc. regardless this was exciting and had me on the edge of my seat every time I had a moment to read. And the last 50 pages or so….wow! Several times I had tears in my eyes. A powerful story full of excitement and tension. And an obvious salute to our soldiers and others who sacrifice to keep us safe.
September 20, 2024
Good action yarn!
September 7, 2021
“Brass Monkey” is the second entry in J. Robert Kennedy’s ‘James Acton thrillers.’ Kennedy has created a very likable hero in James Acton, and he has found a way to keep up the suspense and action that makes this a good page-turner right to the end. In the “Brass Monkey,” the plot captures the reader’s interest early. When I saw the title, I thought the Brass Monkey related the story to a bit of an Indiana Jones adventure. I really had no idea what "Brass Monkey" meant. It certainly didn't take long to find out! This book is, of course, a follow-up to the first in the series "The Protocol." Thus, although it can be read as a stand-alone book, I do think it is better the read them in order as many incidents in "Brass Monkey" have a connection to "The Protocol".
The "Brass Monkey" opens with a flashback to the Cold War. During 1985 the Russians recover a nuclear missile from a crashed US aircraft. Appropriated from the Russian authorities, the missile is later auctioned to the highest bidder. Islamic terrorists? Kennedy gives a real twist to the story here; rather than the current expected Islamic terrorists, sometime equally wicked occurs. There is also the most public spy swap in history. Now, the plot centers on the need to recover this nuclear weapon and avert a great tragedy.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the “Brass Monkey,” it was not quite as good as the first one in the series. This was a “good” book – not a great book. As in his first book “The Protocol,” I did like the main characters. He also managed to bring back several of the characters from “The Protocol.” I liked that! They are interesting, and I'm glad he developed them more. This is an action adventure that has some moments of great suspense; at times, however, it meanders a bit. Still, the plot was good and the characters were done well. The story finishes with a flurry of fast-paced action and the ultimate sacrifice. Just a good read!
The "Brass Monkey" opens with a flashback to the Cold War. During 1985 the Russians recover a nuclear missile from a crashed US aircraft. Appropriated from the Russian authorities, the missile is later auctioned to the highest bidder. Islamic terrorists? Kennedy gives a real twist to the story here; rather than the current expected Islamic terrorists, sometime equally wicked occurs. There is also the most public spy swap in history. Now, the plot centers on the need to recover this nuclear weapon and avert a great tragedy.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the “Brass Monkey,” it was not quite as good as the first one in the series. This was a “good” book – not a great book. As in his first book “The Protocol,” I did like the main characters. He also managed to bring back several of the characters from “The Protocol.” I liked that! They are interesting, and I'm glad he developed them more. This is an action adventure that has some moments of great suspense; at times, however, it meanders a bit. Still, the plot was good and the characters were done well. The story finishes with a flurry of fast-paced action and the ultimate sacrifice. Just a good read!
December 7, 2018
A year after the events in the first book, James Acton has returned to the dig in Peru with new students and the love of his life.
During a return trip to the States, his best friends nephew has landed himself in some trouble which Acton assists with resolving but this brings more trouble to his door than he could ever expect and soon he, and many of the people who survived the first adventure are thrown into a cauldron of chaos.
From a stolen nuke, terrorist plots and kidnapping, Acton is back in the thick of it all, trying desperately to save his new found love and coming to terms with those whose path he crossed in the past.
Another fast paced story that brings a little of the past into the present in ways that nobody considered could happen. Very well written and hard to put down.
During a return trip to the States, his best friends nephew has landed himself in some trouble which Acton assists with resolving but this brings more trouble to his door than he could ever expect and soon he, and many of the people who survived the first adventure are thrown into a cauldron of chaos.
From a stolen nuke, terrorist plots and kidnapping, Acton is back in the thick of it all, trying desperately to save his new found love and coming to terms with those whose path he crossed in the past.
Another fast paced story that brings a little of the past into the present in ways that nobody considered could happen. Very well written and hard to put down.
June 8, 2024
It had been a while since I read the first book. It was easy to reembrace the main characters. If found the back and forward in time interesting - although initially I was wondering where that was going. Additionally, as a follow closely behind sequel it was also refreshing to see characters previously on opposing 'sides' now working together on the same side. The writing was solid and economical, and without padding the story moves along smartly, holding interest and not delaying the action. J Robert Kennedy does not let the physical act reading hold the reader back. In many ways, I found the premises and plot scarily realistic (and I found myself hoping that someone would not be so full of hate and anger as to try something akin to what is set out in the book).
May 11, 2019
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book I did think it wasn't quite as good as the first one in the series. It had the same non-stop, page turning action but I think it was the apocalyptic religious overtones that brought it down for me a bit. Maybe it was because of today's world climate that it hit a little too close to reality. However, it was still a damned good ride with lots of action, adventure and bad guys. I'll keep reading these books and hoping for a little more of an archaeological bent. If you like Sean Ellis or James Rollins you'll probably like this book but be warned - there are no monsters.
April 17, 2019
This books follows closely on from the previous James Acton thriller.
I don't think it was as fast paced as the previous one, Protocol. There was a lot more background story and three different groups to introduce. It felt a bit disjointed in places and there could have been a lot more expansion to the characters. We only briefly met James' new love, Laura, and hopefully we will get to know her better in the next books.
The second half of the book was better than the first - with all stories coming together. Altogether an enjoyable book but not as good as the first.
I don't think it was as fast paced as the previous one, Protocol. There was a lot more background story and three different groups to introduce. It felt a bit disjointed in places and there could have been a lot more expansion to the characters. We only briefly met James' new love, Laura, and hopefully we will get to know her better in the next books.
The second half of the book was better than the first - with all stories coming together. Altogether an enjoyable book but not as good as the first.
February 24, 2020
SPOILERS
A white supremacist group in the USA chooses to start a war between Muslims and Christians. The group buys an old stolen nuclear weapon and attempts to set it off in Saudi Arabia at Mecca during the time of the Hajj. Fortunately, this plan fails so the group falls back to plan B - the Vatican City during a religious holiday when there are huge crowds in St Peters Square. Archaeologist James Acton and his girlfriend Laura Palmer are inexplicably pulled into these events after James rescues a friends son from the white supremacist group.
A white supremacist group in the USA chooses to start a war between Muslims and Christians. The group buys an old stolen nuclear weapon and attempts to set it off in Saudi Arabia at Mecca during the time of the Hajj. Fortunately, this plan fails so the group falls back to plan B - the Vatican City during a religious holiday when there are huge crowds in St Peters Square. Archaeologist James Acton and his girlfriend Laura Palmer are inexplicably pulled into these events after James rescues a friends son from the white supremacist group.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2019
Esta segunda entrega de la saga me ha aburrido mucho. Tiene un ritmo bastante irregular, siendo la primera mitad bastante lenta e insufrible.
Quiere abarcar demasiados aspectos en una única novela de acción y lo que consigue es que todo sea muy precipitado y sobreactuado.
El patriotismo americano es exagerado y la resolución de la trama muy forzada.
Seguiré la saga, más que nada, porque la temática de fondo me gusta. A ver si en las siguientes mejora un poco la narrativa...
Quiere abarcar demasiados aspectos en una única novela de acción y lo que consigue es que todo sea muy precipitado y sobreactuado.
El patriotismo americano es exagerado y la resolución de la trama muy forzada.
Seguiré la saga, más que nada, porque la temática de fondo me gusta. A ver si en las siguientes mejora un poco la narrativa...
December 21, 2020
Fantastic!
This installment in the James Acton novels brings in everything the first book was lacking. Now that we know the characters the action can get going right from the start.
Looking at white supremacist's, Russians, our favorite archeologists thrust into danger, and a conspiracy that goes back to the cold war. Kennedy does an amazing job mixing historical conspiracy with modern day political tensions.
This installment in the James Acton novels brings in everything the first book was lacking. Now that we know the characters the action can get going right from the start.
Looking at white supremacist's, Russians, our favorite archeologists thrust into danger, and a conspiracy that goes back to the cold war. Kennedy does an amazing job mixing historical conspiracy with modern day political tensions.
May 31, 2025
Professor Acton is a magnet for trouble
Professor Acton helps his best friend recover his young son from a white supremist group.
Unfortunately it puts a target on his back and also Laura.
At the same time a vintage nuclear bomb is put on the black market with its arming codes.
The white supremist group intend to procure the weapon and eliminate the Muslim nation in an irreversible Holy War.
Lots of action and twists in relationships.
Page turner
Professor Acton helps his best friend recover his young son from a white supremist group.
Unfortunately it puts a target on his back and also Laura.
At the same time a vintage nuclear bomb is put on the black market with its arming codes.
The white supremist group intend to procure the weapon and eliminate the Muslim nation in an irreversible Holy War.
Lots of action and twists in relationships.
Page turner
July 4, 2023
Book 2
Book 2 was a fun read and had a few errors throughout. The plot and characters developed well. The plot was a bit predictable and was a lot of back and forth between characters and locations. The characters have developed well and have different points of view from each. It's a lot of back and forth and running around, but fun. I look forward to the next book.
Book 2 was a fun read and had a few errors throughout. The plot and characters developed well. The plot was a bit predictable and was a lot of back and forth between characters and locations. The characters have developed well and have different points of view from each. It's a lot of back and forth and running around, but fun. I look forward to the next book.
September 16, 2019
Great story.
Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable read. Interesting plot twists and a lot of action to be had. I like how characters are flowing in between books and creating a lovely camaraderie.
Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable read. Interesting plot twists and a lot of action to be had. I like how characters are flowing in between books and creating a lovely camaraderie.
February 5, 2020
These are really cool books. A nuclear bomb is stolen by somb dumb white supremists who decide to bomb Mecca to start a war so that Muslim would be wiped out and get rid of the problems the give us. Course that can’t happen and delta force and James actin has to stop it.
April 3, 2020
I put off reading this book for ages, after all, did I really want to read about nuclear weapons? When I eventually thought I'd give it a try, I was so glad I did! The story rollicks along at an amazing pace and is totally enthralling. Great Read!!
November 24, 2021
Fast-moving Thriller
Hang onto your hat and get ready for an intense ride. As usual, Kennedy delivers a yarn filled with historical, military, and current events. A really good read.
Hang onto your hat and get ready for an intense ride. As usual, Kennedy delivers a yarn filled with historical, military, and current events. A really good read.
May 12, 2022
The good guys win and the action defies reality but I like the way this author writes. He writes a fast and action packed story that is easy to read even if you can only read in short intervals like me.
April 28, 2024
Brass Monkey: what a story, showcasing the author's prolific imagination in spinning something unimaginable, yet, some of the elements in the story are a bit to close to some of the reality we are presently living through in 2024.
December 15, 2024
I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and I'm happy I stumbled across it. Although I'm late to start reading, the historical aspects are interesting and the stories are page-turners. I plan to keep reading.
October 24, 2017
Good action book but entirely too much information about guns, flying vehicles and guy shit. Kennedy is an excellent writer.
November 6, 2017
Great book plenty of suspense and action.
June 13, 2018
An enjoyable second book in this series, doesnt let you down. Action packed storyline well worth reading.
December 10, 2018
Decent read, but not as good as Protocol. Finishes with a flurry of fast-paced action and the ultimate sacrifice.
February 18, 2019
Another good read. This guy paces really well and I hope the series continues just as well.
September 9, 2019
Excellent!
Fast paced and exciting! This book kept you locked in. Could not put it down. Can’t wait to start the next one.
Fast paced and exciting! This book kept you locked in. Could not put it down. Can’t wait to start the next one.
October 7, 2019
Thought provoking
Suspenseful, nail biting adventure that includes just enough of historical knowledge and religious philosophy. Non-stop action and suspense. Do not miss.
Suspenseful, nail biting adventure that includes just enough of historical knowledge and religious philosophy. Non-stop action and suspense. Do not miss.
May 3, 2020
Just like the last book, great read but too many things going on at once. Still recommend!
April 24, 2022
3.75 stars ;)
September 29, 2022
Much better. Very good read. Entertaining
August 18, 2023
A mad man who will go to great lengths to create anarchy. Will he succeed?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews