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Tom Stiles #1
Black Ops: Zulu
Former black ops agent Tom Stiles is about to face the most personal - and deadly - appointment of his career.
Returning to be with his partner and twin daughters, Stiles finally has a shot at a normal life. But soon, death wraps its claws around his life once more, as a member of the Chechen Mafia is demanding a dangerous favor from him.
Trying to balance his new responsibilities and protect those he holds dear, Stiles is drawn in to a criminal syndicate with links to international terrorism. But does he still have what it takes to finish the job, and make it out alive?
Returning to be with his partner and twin daughters, Stiles finally has a shot at a normal life. But soon, death wraps its claws around his life once more, as a member of the Chechen Mafia is demanding a dangerous favor from him.
Trying to balance his new responsibilities and protect those he holds dear, Stiles is drawn in to a criminal syndicate with links to international terrorism. But does he still have what it takes to finish the job, and make it out alive?
- GenresThrillerContemporary
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2021
45 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Bozikas
2 books2 followersArthur Bozikas lives in Sydney, Australia and has been the CEO of a nonprofit disability organisation for over twenty years. His life story was supposed to be short; at twelve, he was given an expiry date. But life doesn’t always turn out as we expect. Now sixty, he’s had forty unexpected years of life since that use by date expired.
After his day job as the CEO, Arthur was lecturing many business management courses part-time for seven years at the same university he graduated from. Additionally, he also was teaching many business management subjects as a casual teacher at several TAFE colleges for eight years, finally concluded all his teaching commitments to focus more on his passion for writing fiction novels.
“I’d like to dedicate this novel to all the past, present and future blood donors for their precious generosity. I like to consider myself an action writer, but their action has and will always continue to save lives all around the world. I consider them all to be the true action heroes!”
After his day job as the CEO, Arthur was lecturing many business management courses part-time for seven years at the same university he graduated from. Additionally, he also was teaching many business management subjects as a casual teacher at several TAFE colleges for eight years, finally concluded all his teaching commitments to focus more on his passion for writing fiction novels.
“I’d like to dedicate this novel to all the past, present and future blood donors for their precious generosity. I like to consider myself an action writer, but their action has and will always continue to save lives all around the world. I consider them all to be the true action heroes!”
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 22, 2022
The Publisher Says: Tom Stiles. Businessman, adrenalin seeker, devoted father, Black Ops agent.
The Black Ops Trilogy explores the hidden connections between espionage, international fraud dealings and the deadly potentials of information technology. Although predominantly set against urban Sydney backdrops, Stiles confronts the encroaching world of international crime and conceit.
Stiles is a conflicted character who measures materialism against ethics and desire versus love. His progression from suburban family man to government paid assassin is a brutal tale of emotional disintegration. The Tom Stiles thrillers are action packed character explorations of a man who is part philosopher, part killing machine.
The first in a series of thrillers starring Tom Stiles follows his journey from family man and fraud investigator to elite Black Ops secret agent.
The deaths of his parents and brother in a house fire when he was a child and, more recently, the death of his wife, have left Tom craving distraction in the form of an adrenalin rush.
“Black Ops Zulu: Pivotal Velocity” begins with a car crash and the death of Tom’s latest lover, Natasha Mikula, daughter of Vlad – a member of the Chechen mafia.
As Tom struggles to hide his affairs from his current partner, Victoria, Vlad demands a dangerous favour that gets Tom in too deep with Cerberus, a criminal mastermind with links to international terrorism. When the Prime Minister of Australia appoints him as Chair of a new International Fraud Taskforce, Tom is left wondering if there’s more to all this than it first seems.
Tom’s fight to uncover these mysteries while holding onto his family and his secrets, culminates in a battle of epic proportions, played out in the suburban streets of Vaucluse, Sydney.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Lotsa women die around Tom. Lots. I really think this is a story about fifteen years older than will fly these days. Had the book come out in 1992, it would've soared. By 2002, some querulous complaints would be heard; now, in 2022, this sexist testosterone-poisoned stuff ain't more than a niche player.
Thank goodness.
Anyway, it was competently paced and better than average in the geopolitics of Tom's theatre of operations. Not many books use Chechens as the Mafia, and it's both realistic and presented well. Just...no women need concern themselves with the read.
The Black Ops Trilogy explores the hidden connections between espionage, international fraud dealings and the deadly potentials of information technology. Although predominantly set against urban Sydney backdrops, Stiles confronts the encroaching world of international crime and conceit.
Stiles is a conflicted character who measures materialism against ethics and desire versus love. His progression from suburban family man to government paid assassin is a brutal tale of emotional disintegration. The Tom Stiles thrillers are action packed character explorations of a man who is part philosopher, part killing machine.
The first in a series of thrillers starring Tom Stiles follows his journey from family man and fraud investigator to elite Black Ops secret agent.
The deaths of his parents and brother in a house fire when he was a child and, more recently, the death of his wife, have left Tom craving distraction in the form of an adrenalin rush.
“Black Ops Zulu: Pivotal Velocity” begins with a car crash and the death of Tom’s latest lover, Natasha Mikula, daughter of Vlad – a member of the Chechen mafia.
As Tom struggles to hide his affairs from his current partner, Victoria, Vlad demands a dangerous favour that gets Tom in too deep with Cerberus, a criminal mastermind with links to international terrorism. When the Prime Minister of Australia appoints him as Chair of a new International Fraud Taskforce, Tom is left wondering if there’s more to all this than it first seems.
Tom’s fight to uncover these mysteries while holding onto his family and his secrets, culminates in a battle of epic proportions, played out in the suburban streets of Vaucluse, Sydney.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Lotsa women die around Tom. Lots. I really think this is a story about fifteen years older than will fly these days. Had the book come out in 1992, it would've soared. By 2002, some querulous complaints would be heard; now, in 2022, this sexist testosterone-poisoned stuff ain't more than a niche player.
Thank goodness.
Anyway, it was competently paced and better than average in the geopolitics of Tom's theatre of operations. Not many books use Chechens as the Mafia, and it's both realistic and presented well. Just...no women need concern themselves with the read.
May 4, 2021
Good Pace
3 1/2 Stars.
As advertised black ops: Zulu was in fact a thriller. The pace was very very fast and for me it was a one day recess.
Although not a perfect book it was very enjoyable. I thought the beginning took off like a rocket. It sort of slowed down in the middle but then regained its momentum towards the end.
Characters are well written. I particularly liked Tom Stiles He was someone I could relate to.
Enjoyed the book and recommend it to everyone.
3 1/2 Stars.
As advertised black ops: Zulu was in fact a thriller. The pace was very very fast and for me it was a one day recess.
Although not a perfect book it was very enjoyable. I thought the beginning took off like a rocket. It sort of slowed down in the middle but then regained its momentum towards the end.
Characters are well written. I particularly liked Tom Stiles He was someone I could relate to.
Enjoyed the book and recommend it to everyone.
March 21, 2021
‘Hungry for the kill’ – espionage and IT in a fine new thriller series
Australian author Arthur Bozikas earned his degrees in Adult Education and in Management and serves as CEO of a nonprofit disability organization for which he has been awarded a Medal of Order of Australia for his service to people with disabilities. Of note, Arthur’s own disability – inherited Beta Thalassemia Major – with which he still struggles, is a driving force to stay well and encourage others to do likewise. He has now published two books – THE BLACK GLASSES and BLACK OPS: ZULU, introducing a new thriller series - TOM STILES THRILLERS.
Having established his identity as an author who manages fiction touched with wizardry in his successful first novel, the author now steps in to the arena of espionage stories, creating an ongoing primary character for the series - Tom Stiles – who becomes completely credible. His personality is established in the first few pages – ‘Lightning speared through the worn blinds of the Motel Voyager. Tom Stiles fastened his Jaeger-LeCoultre around his wrist, his face pulsing between the light and dark. Rain plunged down outside… A sheet of what looked like lightning illuminated the entire crossroads and shocked Tom into pressing the brakes even harder as he waited for the lights to turn green. Tires screeched behind him. Suddenly his body jolted forward, and he air bag exploded in his face. Pain seared through him. And then there was no horizon lights, no road, no car, nothing except pain from his spine to his fingertips and a sense of helpless, unbidden flying as if he had entered a recurring dream. The car seemed to gather him back in. A wheel rolled past the driver side window. Then, darkness.’ And that degree of suspense pervades this new novel.
The plot is outlined by the author’s synopsis – ‘Former black ops agent Tom Stiles is about to face the most personal - and deadly - appointment of his career. Returning to be with his partner and twin daughters, Stiles finally has a shot at a normal life. But soon, death wraps its claws around his life once more, as a member of the Chechen Mafia is demanding a dangerous favor from him. Trying to balance his new responsibilities and protect those he holds dear, Stiles is drawn in to a criminal syndicate with links to international terrorism. But does he still have what it takes to finish the job, and make it out alive?’
Having created a strong principle character, one that keeps the reader involved throughout, this initial volume appears well prepared to continue with further fine espionage thrillers. Watch the author grow!
Australian author Arthur Bozikas earned his degrees in Adult Education and in Management and serves as CEO of a nonprofit disability organization for which he has been awarded a Medal of Order of Australia for his service to people with disabilities. Of note, Arthur’s own disability – inherited Beta Thalassemia Major – with which he still struggles, is a driving force to stay well and encourage others to do likewise. He has now published two books – THE BLACK GLASSES and BLACK OPS: ZULU, introducing a new thriller series - TOM STILES THRILLERS.
Having established his identity as an author who manages fiction touched with wizardry in his successful first novel, the author now steps in to the arena of espionage stories, creating an ongoing primary character for the series - Tom Stiles – who becomes completely credible. His personality is established in the first few pages – ‘Lightning speared through the worn blinds of the Motel Voyager. Tom Stiles fastened his Jaeger-LeCoultre around his wrist, his face pulsing between the light and dark. Rain plunged down outside… A sheet of what looked like lightning illuminated the entire crossroads and shocked Tom into pressing the brakes even harder as he waited for the lights to turn green. Tires screeched behind him. Suddenly his body jolted forward, and he air bag exploded in his face. Pain seared through him. And then there was no horizon lights, no road, no car, nothing except pain from his spine to his fingertips and a sense of helpless, unbidden flying as if he had entered a recurring dream. The car seemed to gather him back in. A wheel rolled past the driver side window. Then, darkness.’ And that degree of suspense pervades this new novel.
The plot is outlined by the author’s synopsis – ‘Former black ops agent Tom Stiles is about to face the most personal - and deadly - appointment of his career. Returning to be with his partner and twin daughters, Stiles finally has a shot at a normal life. But soon, death wraps its claws around his life once more, as a member of the Chechen Mafia is demanding a dangerous favor from him. Trying to balance his new responsibilities and protect those he holds dear, Stiles is drawn in to a criminal syndicate with links to international terrorism. But does he still have what it takes to finish the job, and make it out alive?’
Having created a strong principle character, one that keeps the reader involved throughout, this initial volume appears well prepared to continue with further fine espionage thrillers. Watch the author grow!
March 19, 2021
An action-packed thriller...
Black Ops: Zulu (Tom Stiles Thrillers Book 1) by Arthur Bozikas is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are so expertly woven in this action-packed thriller that it guarantees the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of the hidden connections between espionage, international fraud and the deadly potential of information technology, this thriller will have you turning the pages from beginning to end.
The book description gives only a sneak preview: ‘Former black ops agent Tom Stiles is about to face the most personal - and deadly - appointment of his career… Returning to be with his partner and twin daughters, Stiles finally has a shot at a normal life. But soon, death wraps its claws around his life once more, as a member of the Chechen Mafia is demanding a dangerous favor from him… Trying to balance his new responsibilities and protect those he holds dear, Stiles is drawn into a criminal syndicate with links to international terrorism. But does he still have what it takes to finish the job, and make it out alive?’
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class thriller with perfect pacing.
If you are looking for a well-written thriller with amazing characters and a gripping plot then Black Ops: Zulu will not leave you disappointed. Fans who like their action and adventure infused with mystery and suspense will enjoy the ride! I’ll be looking forward to reading more in this series. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
Black Ops: Zulu (Tom Stiles Thrillers Book 1) by Arthur Bozikas is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are so expertly woven in this action-packed thriller that it guarantees the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of the hidden connections between espionage, international fraud and the deadly potential of information technology, this thriller will have you turning the pages from beginning to end.
The book description gives only a sneak preview: ‘Former black ops agent Tom Stiles is about to face the most personal - and deadly - appointment of his career… Returning to be with his partner and twin daughters, Stiles finally has a shot at a normal life. But soon, death wraps its claws around his life once more, as a member of the Chechen Mafia is demanding a dangerous favor from him… Trying to balance his new responsibilities and protect those he holds dear, Stiles is drawn into a criminal syndicate with links to international terrorism. But does he still have what it takes to finish the job, and make it out alive?’
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class thriller with perfect pacing.
If you are looking for a well-written thriller with amazing characters and a gripping plot then Black Ops: Zulu will not leave you disappointed. Fans who like their action and adventure infused with mystery and suspense will enjoy the ride! I’ll be looking forward to reading more in this series. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
March 24, 2021
A great suspense adventure into the underworld
This is a great action packed fast paced journey through the underworld and Tom Stiles who is a volunteer firefighter and former black ops specialist. Tom finds himself involved with Natasha who dies in a car accident when she smashed into the back of Tom’s car. He finds out she is the daughter of a boss in the Chechen Mafia and he must now figure out how to protect his family while he works to get out the grasp of the mafia. The characters are well developed and the storyline is very exciting. I was hooked from the first chapter. If you like thrillers and action packed adventures, this is the one for you. Check this one out and let me know what you think. I am looking forward to another adventure with Tom Stiles, special ops fire fighter.
This is a great action packed fast paced journey through the underworld and Tom Stiles who is a volunteer firefighter and former black ops specialist. Tom finds himself involved with Natasha who dies in a car accident when she smashed into the back of Tom’s car. He finds out she is the daughter of a boss in the Chechen Mafia and he must now figure out how to protect his family while he works to get out the grasp of the mafia. The characters are well developed and the storyline is very exciting. I was hooked from the first chapter. If you like thrillers and action packed adventures, this is the one for you. Check this one out and let me know what you think. I am looking forward to another adventure with Tom Stiles, special ops fire fighter.
April 6, 2025
I took a long time reading this book, just kept butting it down. I hated finding out Tom Stiles was cheating on his partner but the tragedy was worse. Not sure if I will continue with the series. I liked the action though.
May 5, 2021
Lots of twist and turns to keep you wondering . I quite liked it.
May 6, 2021
This is a captivating book. It bounces around a bit. But the Characters are entertaining and the plot is very neat. And it is a series. Yay!!!! A very Good Read, Santa Mike.
May 8, 2021
A good book
This book started off slow then when it got good it ended I want to read the next one to see where it goes
This book started off slow then when it got good it ended I want to read the next one to see where it goes
July 13, 2021
More in my next Good Reads blog at www.sandiwallace.com/blog/.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews