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Justin Hall #3

Iranian Protocol

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When an Iranian nuclear scientist wants to defect, the Canadian Intelligence Service sends in its best agent, Justin Hall. After his mission is compromised and Justin barely escapes northern Iran with his life, he sets out to discover who has put him and the Service in grave danger. CIA information about a traitor in the Service sends Justin into violence-soaked Somalia, where he quickly becomes ensnared in a web of lies and deceit. He's left with no choice but to go rogue and form an alliance with Romanov, a sinister Russian oil baron. Cut off from the Service, Justin is forced to navigate through ever-shifting alliances and survive deep inside a Yemeni terrorist stronghold. All the while, he's being hunted by a traitor. This tour-de-force spy thriller is the hottest page-turner of the summer. New and old fans alike will love this new suspenseful novel in the Justin Hall series. The bonus content includes the first four chapters of DOUBLE AGENTS, the fourth book in the Justin Hall series, which is expected to come out this winter.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2013

53 people are currently reading
387 people want to read

About the author

Ethan Jones

110 books663 followers
Ethan Jones is an international bestselling author of over 50 assassin thriller and suspense novels. His books have sold over two hundred thousand copies in over seventy countries. Ethan has lived in four continents. He has worked for the American Embassy and does mission work around the globe. He’s a lawyer by trade.

His goal is to provide clean, clever and white-knuckled entertainment for his valued readers. Free of sex, language, or excessive violence, but full of fast-paced, action-packed suspense with unsuspecting twists and turns.

When he’s not writing or researching, you can find Ethan helping, hiking, hanging out with family/friends, or traveling the world.

Check out Ethan's website ethanjonesbooks.com to learn more and to sign up to Ethan's Exclusives which includes updates, deals, and a free starter pack.

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5 stars
111 (48%)
4 stars
76 (33%)
3 stars
32 (14%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Zain.
1,885 reviews286 followers
May 17, 2024
Wow! Canadian Intelligence!

Justin Hall is a member of the Canadian Intelligence Service. The CIS. Yes, Canada has spies too.

The government of Canada has sent Justin on a mission to destroy the terrorists who are trying to kill him.

With his partners Nathan and Carrie, he is trying to get rid of members of Al Shabbab. They are not prepared to let him win. They want to eliminate him from the face of the Earth.

The only reason why he has a price on his head is because, Johnson, a former director at CIS, is a big traitor now and she has a huge hatred towards Justin Hall.

So she put a large price on his head. And Al Shabbab is going after him for the money he has been subjected to, alive or dead.

So, the CIS is planning a war against the people of Al shabbab, who are in trouble, but they don’t know it.

Justin will show what happens when you mess with him.

Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
357 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2013
It’s been a while since I’ve read a good spy novel so I was really looking forward to diving into Ethan Jones new thriller Fog of War, the third in the Justin Hall series. I was not disappointed!

Although I didn’t read the first two in the series, I was instantly pulled in to this fast paced story of Canadian intelligence officer Justin Hall and didn’t feel lost for not having read the first two. I immediately noted the distinction of this being about a Canadian intelligence officer which is a first for me. I always associate spy novels with British intelligence so this was a refreshing changes of pace.

There are so many layers to this story that are revealed with a perfectly set pace throughout the story. While I often find myself lost in all the sub plots of spy novels, I was able to keep up with this story that had my turning pages as quickly as I could to find out what happened next.

Jones style of writing is direct and to the point and keeps the reader guessing as to what twist he will throw your way next. I like stories that aren’t predictable and this one is anything but. As soon as I thought I had something figured out, it would go in a completely different direction adding even more complexity to the story.

Fog of War is a fast paced thriller that you should definitely ad to your summer reading list! Jones will keep you guessing at every turn of the page.
Profile Image for William Bentrim.
Author 59 books76 followers
June 7, 2013
Fog of War by Ethan Jones

This is the third book in the Justin Hall series. Justin is a Canadian Intelligencer Service agent. This action laden adventure details his involvement in Middle East terrorist activities with his partner Carrie O’Connor. They find themselves in Somalia and discover that they have been both duped and targeted.

Once again Justin is a volatile character and reacts to many situation emotionally. Carrie, his partner, leavens his behavior with a little common sense. Also again the plot can be pulled right off of the CNN news wire. Arms smuggling and terrorists abound. Justin’s contacts with the Russian mob come into play when he finds him self the target of a fatwa. Revenge again plays a major part for Justin in the intricacies of the plot.

Some startling revelations come to play with the CIA and Justin’s former boss. Perfidy in the world of spies and intrigue, gasp!

Ethan Jones has a future in the world of thrillers. This book was an entertaining read.

I recommend it.

Here’s the link: http://amzn.to/18Ry1Zt to purchase the book.
Profile Image for Karen.
211 reviews8 followers
June 10, 2013
Justin Hall is deep in it again which makes for an exciting, action packed story. Fog of War is a thriller that reaches out and grabs you by the throat. And that’s just the prologue.

There’s lots of suspense in this latest installment from Ethan Jones. It’s a fast paced page turner and will definitely keep your interest. I found myself totally engrossed in the story; everything seemed to be going wrong and someone was always trying to kill Justin. Who could be behind all of this mayhem and why?

Even though there was quite a bit of traveling and we were introduced to a lot of characters, it was still easy to follow the storyline.

I think Fog of War can stand alone, but you will have a better understanding of the primary characters if you read the previous books in the series first. I think Fog of War is Mr. Jones’ best book to date – I liked it!
991 reviews36 followers
March 14, 2014
“Fog of War” continues to follow Canadian Intelligence Service Agent Justin Hall and Carrie O’Connor as they are once again placed into a bone chilling situation. No one is who or what they seem and friend becomes foe in this newest book by Ethan Jones.

Assigned to a joint CIA-CIS mission, Justin sets off to locate and aid an Iranian nuclear physicist who wishes to defect. Only someone else is waiting for them and the physicist is killed. Now Justin finds himself the target. Unsure who to trust, Justin forms an alliance with Romanov, a Russian oil baron, who has his own agenda. As Justin follows the trail of terrorists from Africa to the Middle East and from Canada to the United States in this high stakes mission, he will stop at nothing to find those behind the plot.
233 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2019
This is my third read by Ethan Jones and enjoyed this fast paced, action packed spy thriller. Mr Jones continues to keep me on the edge of my seat with another great storyline and the need to keep reading and hate that the book comes to the end. I like that the author incorporates characters from his previous books especially when Carrie is the only one Justin fully trusts

A very well constructed storyline with unexpected twists that had me on the edge of my seat with the action and at times some well timed comic relief.
Loved the final twist at the CIA. Had a few typos but didn't deter from the storyline.

I enjoyed this book immensely and looking forward to the next Justin Hall/Carrie O'Conner book.

Another must read
Profile Image for Caroline.
1,558 reviews79 followers
May 23, 2014
I received the e-book version of this book for free from the author.

I'm not really a fan of war stories and action, but I really loved this story.
It starts with action right away, and has no mercy - planes, helicopters and wheeled vehicles being destroyed, lots of fancy weapons, death and terror in places like Somalia, Iran and Turkmenistan.
Justin Hall and his partner Carrie are sent to dangerous missions, but they are expert fighters, so they of course can do them all - and another one right away. So the action never stops here!

You just have to read it for yourself, it's really cool and well-written.
And someone has to make a movie out of this!
Profile Image for Carol.
1,642 reviews67 followers
January 30, 2014
This is the first book I have read of Ethan Jones. Although part of a series, it stands as
a read alone also. The book has an interesting plot with very well defined characters.
You travel with the characters through the Middle East,Canada, the United States, Somalia
and Moscow. The story is about Canadian operatives sent on missions that get compromised.
Who is able to get inside information about their covert operations? Who has ordered the
execution of theintelligence operator, Justin Hall?
The story is fast paced, with subplots weaved into the main plot keep the reader
on their toes as not to miss a clue but be able to travel along with Justin and his
partner Carrie O’Connor. Carrie is the common sense person that mediates the explosive
and emotional reactions Justin has to many situations.
Traitors, arms smuggling and terrorists throughout the book.. Justin’s needs to go rogue
and work with the Russian mob to avoid any needless killing since he is the target of
the traitor.
I loved when got Justin aboard an airplane that was fit for a king during the story.
That’s the way to fly!!
This story is anything but predictable which keeps you on the edge until the end.
If you like intriguing, adventure, anything out of the norm, you will be swept right
into this book.
I will be reading Ethan Jones books prior to this one. I thoroughly enjoyed this
book!!!
I received this Kindle ebook as a gift from the author. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 30 books162 followers
January 21, 2020
Fog of War
Justin Hall #3
By Ethan Jones

Justin Hall is back with a new mission. But nothing is ever easy and when a several joint CIA and CIS missions go south a leak is suspected. The CIA lays the blame on the CIS and Justin and Carrie are tasked with determining the truth.

But adding to the difficulties of their latest mission that takes them to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula is the fact that Justin seems to be the personal target of whomever is receiving the intelligence. Who is targeting Justin and why him, not that he hasn't made enemies over the years but a $1,000,000 bounty on his head is something new.

Fog of War packs all the excitement you've come to expect in a Justin Hall case. Betrayal that crosses national borders could end it all for Justin unless he can find the mole. But solve this case Justin may have to disobey orders and go rogue. Can the favors he's garnered over the years lead to the breakthrough he needs before it's too late? Or will he run out of favors and time?

If you like suspenseful spy novels that keep on the edge of your seat, you will want to read the latest Justin Hall novel Fog of War!

I was provided a copy of this book in digital format by the author in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Ash.
52 reviews3 followers
August 17, 2014
I received a digital copy of this novel from the author in return for an honest review.

Fog of War is the third novel in Ethan Jones' Justin Hall series, however it was my first taste of the series. The novel follows Justin Hall, a Canadian Intelligence agent, as he hunts terrorists and and their support networks throughout Africa and the Middle East. The novel is a fast-paced, action-packed spy thriller and the main character is your stereotypical spy: smarter than everyone else and not a fan of following rules.

Ethan Jones has a pleasant writing style to read. It is easy to read while being informative and clearly researched at the same time. The plot of the novel is what you would expect from the genre, not necessarily that innovative but still an action-filled, enjoyable read. I felt that I didn't connect with the characters that well because they weren't really fleshed out and I didn't get to learn much about them, however the previous books in the series may have been better in terms of character development.

Overall, while Ethan Jones' Justin Hall series isn't quite as refined as Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp or Brad Thor's Scot Harvath, it is still an enjoyable read that I would recommend. I can't wait to get into Justin's other adventures.
Profile Image for Stephanie Wolf.
208 reviews7 followers
June 4, 2013
Justin Hall is at it again, but this time he is traveling. His travels in this episode include Iran, Somalia, the United States, Canada and even Moscow.

What started out to be a rescue mission to aid an Iranian nuclear physicist to defect, ended up with the physicist dead. But what Justin discovered was so much more, and no matter where he goes, someone always wants him dead.

In addition to a new partner in Iran, Nathan Smyth, his regular partner, Carrie O’Connor, will always help him out, even when it goes against direct orders from their superiors.

Who has it out for Justin? In his line of work, there is always danger, but this takes it to a new level. So many people seem to want him dead, no matter where he goes. Someone doesn’t want him to find out who is the mole that every move Justin makes seems to already have someone waiting to kill him. The fighting in different countries will always be there, but who is supplying the illegal weapons. Being the true fighter, Justin doesn’t give up easily. Each chapter will have you turning the pages for more.
Profile Image for Bill Thibadeau.
503 reviews13 followers
May 3, 2013
This is the best of Ethan Jones three books. It is fast paced with numerous sub-plots which keep the book fresh. Mr. Jones continues the high quality of the characters.

Some authors tend to make their female operatives bada$$ yet this author makes Carrie into an equal agent without the super human physical abilities I find in other books. This makes her character much more real and believable.

I actually give this book 4.5 stars only because the ending tends to fizzle a bit. I realize that an ending can generally not maintain the high emotion of the rest of the book. However, this ending does not follow the high prose of the rest of the book.

Mr. Jones is a great author who obviously has good knowledge of his genre and does an excellent job of conveying it to paper. I look forward with great anticipation to his next book.
460 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2022
How Do You Keep Fighting The Good Fight?

Reality says there will always be someone who will take the fight to the terrorists, jihadist or religiously motivated "fighter." But the question is always WHO will stand in the gap against those who seek to do evil? It seems that person never really gets "done" and they're off on another mission. No time to stop, relax and regroup. Justin Hall and his partner, Carrie, always seem to be on - duty, guard, watch, alert, well, you name it. This is fiction but its a fiction based in reality. To get the "go" at two AM. Never allow yourself to not be ready. Anticipate that adrenaline spike you know will be coming. Not being able to relax with your spouse tonight. No takin' it easy.
Profile Image for Martin Pingree.
1,013 reviews15 followers
June 28, 2021
Once again Canadian Agent Justin Hall is on the move to Iran to pick up a defecting scientist. Of course it doesn’t work because of an ambush. Justin begins a journey to find out who is behind all the unexplainable things going on including these attempts on his life. A truly international action adventure includes middle eastern, Russian and American characters. Good Guys ? Bad Guys ? Who is who ? Soon his partner Carrie gets involved and we have even more fun. If you like a great spy action adventure you have got to read this one ! With a loaded cast of characters, non stop action and an extremely well written story line you won’t be able to put this book down !
Profile Image for Marlys.
1,519 reviews9 followers
May 17, 2022
This is a great continuation to the series. The story grabs you from the beginning to the end. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Anne Monteith.
591 reviews23 followers
August 8, 2016
Having read all the Justin Hall books, I can honestly say that not only is the character one of the best, but the author, Ethan Jones is becoming one of the best writers in this genus. The characters are well drawn; the action non-stop and the plot and sub-plots are both creative and believable. While the previous novels can be read as a stand-alone, this one cannot, if the reader wants to understand the why and who. At the very least, you need to read "Tripoli's Target" to fully enjoy and understand the motivation behind this one and to know the story from the beginning you have to start there, with "Arctic Wargame". By starting at the beginning, you will also see how the author keeps improving, giving readers something to look forward to with each story.

Pay attention to the Arab and Russian Proverbs at the beginning. If you have read all the books, you will know how appropriate they are. If you haven't read the previous books, you may have some understanding when you finish the book, but not the appreciation that comes from knowing the complete back-story. As always, the story opens with a bang as US Navy Seals are assisting the Canadian counter-terrorism unit with a snatch and grab operation in Southern Somalia. After the Seals acquire their primary target, two militant leaders they are on the way to extract the CIA's man when Al-Shabaad, Al-Qaeda's branch in the region tries to down the MH-60 Black Hawk. They are shooting at the helicopter from the streets, rooftops and truck using machine guns and RPG's that are barely missing them as they head to the spot to pick up their passenger.

At the same time, Justin Hall is in Northeast Iran waiting on the nuclear physicist who has promised the Canadian Intelligence Service his vast knowledge of Iran's uranium enrichment program and their plan to build a nuclear bomb in exchange for a new life in the western world. Justin and his partner, Nathan Smyth crossed the order from Turkmenistan with the assistance of two Turkmen drug runners. The two agents, who they knew as Mohammed and Mehmet were to obtain information from a reliable source about the Islamic Revolutionary Guards operations, giving credibility to the CIS agent's cover story.

The operations do not go as planned and many lives are lost in both regions. When Jason checks in, he is informed by his boss, McClain that the CIA wanted an in-person briefing in the States. The CIA has sensitive and highly classified information about a security issues of interest to both agencies that they want to share with their Canadian counterpart. The information that Justin receives sends him to locales that include Somalia, Russia, Kenya, Spain and Saudi Arabia as he makes an effort to find the truth and avoid the assassins that appear to know his every move. Whom can he trust and who is behind the multiple attempts to kill him?


4.75 STARS: ** Receiving this book from the author did not influence my review and rating of this book, all opinions are my own.**
Profile Image for Book Him Danno.
2,399 reviews79 followers
November 22, 2016
Fog of War is well thought out book with characters that will come to life as the reader turns the pages. The readers will travel with the characters all over the world form the Middle East, United States, Moscow and even Canada. This story has everything Traitors, arms deals, terrorist even working with the enemy to avoid death.
While the main characters is a bit of a hot head the author wrote in a character who is the voice of reason as well as giving them a great secondary story to follow.
The story has it moments of predictability but it will keep the readers reading and wanting more as they end the book.
I can't wait to read more by Ethan Jones

Advance Copy from Netgalley for my honest thoughts
43 reviews
October 23, 2013
There are several layers in this non-stop action story: terrorists, traitors, gun runners, and Justin Hall of the Canadian intelligence service hunting and being hunted. Jones's writing style is straight forward, no wasted words; characters are believable. You cheer for Justin and Carrie through the many plot twists. The story in one of the better spy novels, which is not an easy acoomplishment -- very entertaining. This is the first Justin Hall book of the series I've read but not the last one. Reviewed by the author of The Children's Story, A Novel Not for Children (about good and evil).
1,477 reviews26 followers
June 21, 2017
Fog of War. Ethan Jones

Justin Hall and his partner Carrie are covert agents for Canada's version of the CIA. Someone is trying to kill Hall. Canada's clandestine computers have been infected with a virus. Information has been leaked to someone. Who is behind all this? Hall has a lot of enemies. People are dying. This is an extremely fast paced action thriller. A very believable scenario. I highly recommend.
1,294 reviews6 followers
January 16, 2020
Politics and the spy world are filled with undercurrents. The mission and main objective are in the spotlight but there are always more reasons and potential benefits that are never destined to see the light of day. Expect lots of action, intrigue, and half-truths. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book. Sometimes success is measure in survival.
346 reviews14 followers
October 23, 2017
E. Jones pens another Hall winner!

I had fun today rereading this action adventure and suspense "spy" novel -- I thoroughly enjoy this genre and this author's well written and creative work!
Profile Image for Tarran.
84 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2014
Very interesting story, with a fast pace and interesting characters. I really enjoyed this book!
Profile Image for Alex.
60 reviews
December 4, 2016
This is the best Book you can ever read. I would highly recommend you to read this Book.
659 reviews4 followers
July 5, 2021
Firstly it should be noted that this story was originally published as Fog Of War, but what a story! Justin Hall and his CIS partner Carrie O’Connor are sent to bring a defecting Iranian nuclear scientist to safety. When the operation goes bad the duo do what they do best and fight for their lives. It’s why and how things went wrong that then takes their focus. Things point towards their former boss but their current chief tells them to stand down. With a rare difference of opinions Justin and Carrie go their separate ways. Justin is forced to make some unlikely and potentially deadly alliances as he takes matters into his own hands. Carrie meanwhile is then given the task of stopping him. Ethan Jones delivers once more with an awesome story of betrayal, double dealing and, of course, plenty of engrossing action scenes. The author sweeps the reader along with his usual skill and makes putting the book down very hard. It’s a fast paced book that flies by with scene after scene keeping the reader hooked right up until the finale.
1,759 reviews21 followers
October 22, 2013
This is a very exciting story about espionage. Apparently, it is the third Justin Hall book about a Canadian operative who works with a woman named Carrie, who wants to find where her father has been buried. It takes place somewhat in Russia but mostly the Middle East. Some operations are compromised by a person apparently in the organization. Justin is friends with a Russian arms dealer--better the devil you know--and has a girlfriend who is not part of the game. He has to make split second decisions sometimes. Because this is a series, the reader knows that Justin will not be knocked off--yet.
364 reviews8 followers
December 29, 2020
I bought a copy of Fog of War a few years ago, but didn’t read it until now.  The title has been changed to Iranian Protocol, but it is still the same story.  I really enjoy Mr. Jones’ writing – he tells a great story, with a lot of action, strong characters and enough detail to make you feel like you’re watching an action movie.  Unlike so many of today’s writers, he keeps the language clean, there are no sex scenes and no focus on blood and guts; just pure enjoyment!  Each of his series has a central stable of characters, but each book is stand-alone, so no cliff-hangers.  If you like spy thrillers, you need to try this author!
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,889 reviews71 followers
March 10, 2021
Iranian Protocol - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Formerly known as Fog of War, Iranian Protocol has the usual fast-paced, all-action starring CSI Agent Justin Hall and sidekick Carrie O'Connor.
This time Ethan Jones' heroes are sent to intervene, when the defection of an Iranian scientist starts to fall apart. However, Justin's betrayed by a traitor on his own side, that puts his life in repeated danger when he becomes the target.
Gun-running, terrorism and much more, makes the third in Ethan Jones' exceptional Justin Hall Thrillers series the best yet.
Grab your copy soon and tell all your friends!
Profile Image for Roger.
5,660 reviews28 followers
Read
August 2, 2016
Fog of War is, in every sense of the word , a thriller set in varying locations around the globe. With each book he writes Ethan Jones continues to polish his craft, with this book being better written & more satisfying than were his first two. Fog of War seems longer than his first two books but steadily builds to a climax. The interesting twist is that the main characters are Canadian although that is not as apparent in this book as in his earlier books. A very good read I look forward Jones' next novel.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
January 21, 2020
This book is a non-stop roller coaster ride of action and intrigue from the very first page with enemies, both known and unknown, around every corner. The plots and sub-plots kept me anxiously flipping pages to see what would happen next. A satisfying read that's left me ready to see what the next mission brings for Justin and Carrie.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
74 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2022
Buy one story, get one free! Interrelated missions of loyalty, duty and revenge. Heart pounding from beginning to end, this novel is rich in character development and realistic, non-stop action scenes throughout Russia, the Middle East and the western hemisphere - the intense international intrigue for which Ethan Jones is renown. Jones is a master at counterespionage and has once again written a masterful story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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