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Sam Archer #1
Nine Lives
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
It’s New Year’s Eve. A major terrorist cell is planning a series of attacks across London over the next forty-eight hours. The government has surveillance on the group, a man undercover, and prepare to move in, to take out the terrorists before they can strike. But they lose contact with their inside man. And the cell vanishes into thin air, dispersing into the streets, armed and intent on completing their assault on London. The best Counter-Terrorist teams in the country are told to take them down before it's too late.
Nine terrorists.
Nine lives.
The Armed Response Unit is one of these teams. Efficient and ruthless, the task force is ordered to locate the leader of the cell. As they hunt him down, they begin to realise that this is far bigger than any of them could ever have imagined. Bombings, rocket attacks, betrayal and a series of unexpected and shocking twists leave the ARU fighting to stay alive.
There's Archer, the youngest member of the team, keen to prove himself and justify his spot on the task force. His best friend, Chalky, who is forced to fight both the terrorists and his own demons. Porter, Deakins and Fox, tough and experienced men who’ve never dealt with anything of this magnitude. And Mac, their sergeant, who must make the quickest of decisions and lead his men against the invisible enemy.
As events unfold, other people are drawn into the danger. The Prime Minister, desperately trying to find a solution and protect the capital. A mysterious female Mossad agent, who appears out of nowhere and joins the fight against the cell. Two Special Agents from the DEA, one of whom was a member of the SEAL team that stormed Osama Bin Laden’s compound and who for some reason is struggling with the memory. And the vicious, powerful leader of a Middle Eastern drug cartel, who operates in the shadows and is somehow connected to the terrorists.
With crowds all over London celebrating the New Year, and with nine terrorists somewhere amongst them, the Armed Response Unit is faced with the most dangerous night of their lives. As the savage, shocking plans of the enemy are fully revealed, the ARU officers are faced with the ultimate question.
How many times can a man cheat Death before Death evens the score?
It’s New Year’s Eve. A major terrorist cell is planning a series of attacks across London over the next forty-eight hours. The government has surveillance on the group, a man undercover, and prepare to move in, to take out the terrorists before they can strike. But they lose contact with their inside man. And the cell vanishes into thin air, dispersing into the streets, armed and intent on completing their assault on London. The best Counter-Terrorist teams in the country are told to take them down before it's too late.
Nine terrorists.
Nine lives.
The Armed Response Unit is one of these teams. Efficient and ruthless, the task force is ordered to locate the leader of the cell. As they hunt him down, they begin to realise that this is far bigger than any of them could ever have imagined. Bombings, rocket attacks, betrayal and a series of unexpected and shocking twists leave the ARU fighting to stay alive.
There's Archer, the youngest member of the team, keen to prove himself and justify his spot on the task force. His best friend, Chalky, who is forced to fight both the terrorists and his own demons. Porter, Deakins and Fox, tough and experienced men who’ve never dealt with anything of this magnitude. And Mac, their sergeant, who must make the quickest of decisions and lead his men against the invisible enemy.
As events unfold, other people are drawn into the danger. The Prime Minister, desperately trying to find a solution and protect the capital. A mysterious female Mossad agent, who appears out of nowhere and joins the fight against the cell. Two Special Agents from the DEA, one of whom was a member of the SEAL team that stormed Osama Bin Laden’s compound and who for some reason is struggling with the memory. And the vicious, powerful leader of a Middle Eastern drug cartel, who operates in the shadows and is somehow connected to the terrorists.
With crowds all over London celebrating the New Year, and with nine terrorists somewhere amongst them, the Armed Response Unit is faced with the most dangerous night of their lives. As the savage, shocking plans of the enemy are fully revealed, the ARU officers are faced with the ultimate question.
How many times can a man cheat Death before Death evens the score?
465 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2012
1540 people are currently reading
2309 people want to read
About the author
Tom Barber
41 books151 followersBorn in Sydney, Australia and raised in England and Brunei, Tom Barber has always had a passion for writing and story-telling. It took him to Nottingham University, England, where he graduated in 2009 with a 2:1 BA Hons in English Studies. Post-graduation, Tom moved to New York City and completed the 2 Year Meisner Acting training programme at The William Esper Studio, furthering his love of acting and screen-writing.
Upon his return to the UK in late 2011, Tom set to work on his debut novel, Nine Lives, which has since become a five-star rated Amazon UK Kindle hit. The following books in the series have been equally successful, garnering five-star reviews in the US, UK, France, Australia and Canada. The Sam Archer series has had over a million books downloaded worldwide and each title is currently being adapted into audiobook format.
Tom spends most of his time back and forth between the US and the UK. He can be contacted at http://www.tom-barber.co.uk/
For info on all upcoming releases: http://tom-barber.us6.list-manage1.co...
Upon his return to the UK in late 2011, Tom set to work on his debut novel, Nine Lives, which has since become a five-star rated Amazon UK Kindle hit. The following books in the series have been equally successful, garnering five-star reviews in the US, UK, France, Australia and Canada. The Sam Archer series has had over a million books downloaded worldwide and each title is currently being adapted into audiobook format.
Tom spends most of his time back and forth between the US and the UK. He can be contacted at http://www.tom-barber.co.uk/
For info on all upcoming releases: http://tom-barber.us6.list-manage1.co...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
January 12, 2024
My First Sam Archer!
Another book that Good Reads has lost the review that I wrote.
I remember this is a great book. Filled with lots of amazing action. Lots of scenes that were full of great motion.
I wish I could remember the details. I know I love this book because I gave it five stars. And I only do that, when the book is fabulous.
Anyway, five stars. ✨✨✨✨✨
Another book that Good Reads has lost the review that I wrote.
I remember this is a great book. Filled with lots of amazing action. Lots of scenes that were full of great motion.
I wish I could remember the details. I know I love this book because I gave it five stars. And I only do that, when the book is fabulous.
Anyway, five stars. ✨✨✨✨✨
February 25, 2020
Nine Lives is the first book in the Sam Archer series about a young Counter-Terrorism officer from London, and was first published in 2012. I got a free copy during an Amazon promotion about a year ago, and had gradually acquired several more from the series, also free, but I have a lot of free books waiting for me (and bought ones!) so it was likely to take a while. I saw it as a Read Now on NetGalley, liked the sound of the summary, and knew that would boost it up my TBR. (I prioritise NG books as I know it costs authors a fair bit to get them listed, but also it means they’ve been through at least one filter.) I love a good action thriller and this delivered from the very start, so I’m very pleased to have most of the rest of the series waiting for me.
Sam Archer is the newest member of the Armed Response Unit, set up to act like a British version of a SWAT team, to fight the ever increasing threat of terrorism within the UK. The team, a loyal group of tough former military and policemen, have been warned that a cell is about to stage an attack in London on New Year’s Eve, so must do whatever it takes to stop them. Meanwhile a vicious Arabic cartel leader arrives in Paris with a plan of his own, but the DEA are on his trail, and will do whatever it takes to catch him, even if it gets in the way of the ARU’s mission...
This was like a whole season of 24 rolled into one book - in a good way. Archer is an appealing hero - modest but confident in his own abilities, and refreshingly undamaged. There are psychopathic villains, a well rounded team who weren’t there just to be killed off for a change, dramatic countdowns, clever twists and a deeply satisfying ending. All highly unlikely of course and the body count was lower than you’d expect, which again made a nice change - while the stakes were high, Barber doesn’t feel the need to kill squillions of innocents to make his point.
The author is an Australian who has lived in the US so uses quite a lot of Americanisms that jarred a bit in a British book, but the writing was brilliant - he has a very visual story-telling style that works perfectly for this genre. There were a few too many down-to-the-last-second cliffhangers but that’s what works in movies and it certainly kept the tension high. There was violence and some nasty executions, but they were not gratuitous or excessively detailed.
It’s an impressive first novel and I look forward to seeing how the series progresses.
My thanks to NetGalley for the free review copy. Nine Lives is available now.
Sam Archer is the newest member of the Armed Response Unit, set up to act like a British version of a SWAT team, to fight the ever increasing threat of terrorism within the UK. The team, a loyal group of tough former military and policemen, have been warned that a cell is about to stage an attack in London on New Year’s Eve, so must do whatever it takes to stop them. Meanwhile a vicious Arabic cartel leader arrives in Paris with a plan of his own, but the DEA are on his trail, and will do whatever it takes to catch him, even if it gets in the way of the ARU’s mission...
This was like a whole season of 24 rolled into one book - in a good way. Archer is an appealing hero - modest but confident in his own abilities, and refreshingly undamaged. There are psychopathic villains, a well rounded team who weren’t there just to be killed off for a change, dramatic countdowns, clever twists and a deeply satisfying ending. All highly unlikely of course and the body count was lower than you’d expect, which again made a nice change - while the stakes were high, Barber doesn’t feel the need to kill squillions of innocents to make his point.
The author is an Australian who has lived in the US so uses quite a lot of Americanisms that jarred a bit in a British book, but the writing was brilliant - he has a very visual story-telling style that works perfectly for this genre. There were a few too many down-to-the-last-second cliffhangers but that’s what works in movies and it certainly kept the tension high. There was violence and some nasty executions, but they were not gratuitous or excessively detailed.
It’s an impressive first novel and I look forward to seeing how the series progresses.
My thanks to NetGalley for the free review copy. Nine Lives is available now.
June 24, 2020
I never read one of this authors books before so I decided to take a chance lol. I am still fighting a reading slump. The story started out ok but it had one super duper major problem it read too much like a screen play. If a book is going to read like a screen play it better be real good this one was not. It is a passing book if you have time to kill and do not have anything on hand to read. I was going to give it a 3 stars barely but the ending was just too dumb for me and over the top. if you desperate maybe read it but for the most part I say do not give it a spin.
June 10, 2018
Meeting Sam Archer and the Team
The first story about operator Sam Archer is a suspenseful fast-paced thriller that keeps you turning pages as the scenes fill your sight. A task force set in England teams with American officers hunting a cartel who has set loose a ten person team to cause hurt and mayhem on New Year's night.
A very exciting story with great characters and amazing action. Definitely a top thriller and I am planning to read all the rest in this series!
The first story about operator Sam Archer is a suspenseful fast-paced thriller that keeps you turning pages as the scenes fill your sight. A task force set in England teams with American officers hunting a cartel who has set loose a ten person team to cause hurt and mayhem on New Year's night.
A very exciting story with great characters and amazing action. Definitely a top thriller and I am planning to read all the rest in this series!
August 15, 2014
An impressive thriller by author Tom Barber, "Nine Lives" is non stop high velocity action. This book is pure high voltage from the very first page all the way through to it's conclusion. Set in London, an elite group of police are assembled for special or extraordinary of crimes. The "Armed Response Unit" or ARU as it is known and is lead by led by Director Tim Cobb. In the United States we would call it a SWAT Team. Just in time for New Year's a two bit criminal named Dominick Farha has put together a team of misfit criminals with a bold plan to terrorize London. The ARU quickly gets onto case. The youngest agent at 26 is Sam Archer who is best friends with colleague Danny "Chalky" White. Archer and "Chalky" bravely go over and above the call of duty in pursuit of the bad guys. The team also gets some assistance from the DEA and a "Mossad" agent Shapira. The story line rolls unstoppable through this book. It was just impossible to put down. Plenty of action, emotions, and some terror throughout. The characters are very well defined. Complete with some good depth, even most of the bad guys. This book travels from Riyadh, Paris, and into London. I've already started reading the second in the series, and have downloaded the third onto my Kindle. Without a doubt 5 stars out of 5 . This is a book not to be missed by those who like action thrillers. I think entire series will deliver like a freight train at top speed. Author Tom Barber has a winner on his hands with Sam Archer. Check it out, you'll love it !
April 29, 2015
I rate within genre and this book had plenty of the testosterone-laden action I love in a thriller. A solid 4 star read! Definitely going to read his next book.
October 28, 2018
Firstly, this book seemed to go on and on forever but went without a dull moment. It kept me on my toes and was definitely not a sleeper. Secondly, the author deserves a standing ovation for his research alone. This book was so close to the cuff we could have easily been reading about his own life experience!!! Thirdly, the character development was extremely detailed and the depth of knowledge about the key players just pulled me deeper and deeper into their roles and guessing what they would do next and keeping my fingers crossed that they wouldn't be harmed in doing it, obviously the plot development was only one of a genius in this genre. Lastly, I hate to admit it, but felt Henry's demise and form of death could not have been more befitting; as he never got the option to sit in prison and rot as we would have expected from these particular law enforcement officials, but met with an eye for an eye!!! I literally winced when and how he killed the agent, but it makes me feel better knowing he met with the same fate, no wincing necessary!
March 27, 2015
After reading Tom Barber's Blackout... #3 in the Sam Archer series, I discovered that I had book #1 in my collection and wanted to see how Sam Archer got started. I was not disappointed.
This book is a Mystery/Thriller with Terrorism/Counter-terrorism and International Intrigue.
As the last day of the year unfolds, so does a terrorist plot. The Prime Minister calls in a recently formed, hand-picked unit, the ARU, The ARU alongside the DEA track down the nine members of the terrorist group. Will they be in time to stop them or will destruction and mayhem abound? You'll have to read to the end to find out.
I enjoyed rooting for the ARU as they were trying to track down the terrorists. I could see this being a made for TV movie. There were also some twists and turns that weren't apparent until the final reveal.
After reading No Easy Day... by Mark Owen, I understood what Mr. Barber was saying in certain sections of the book which applied to the DEA agent helping the ARU. You have to read the whole story to get it though.
Warning: This book is for Mature Audiences due to Drugs, Violence, and Adult Language.
This book is a Mystery/Thriller with Terrorism/Counter-terrorism and International Intrigue.
As the last day of the year unfolds, so does a terrorist plot. The Prime Minister calls in a recently formed, hand-picked unit, the ARU, The ARU alongside the DEA track down the nine members of the terrorist group. Will they be in time to stop them or will destruction and mayhem abound? You'll have to read to the end to find out.
I enjoyed rooting for the ARU as they were trying to track down the terrorists. I could see this being a made for TV movie. There were also some twists and turns that weren't apparent until the final reveal.
After reading No Easy Day... by Mark Owen, I understood what Mr. Barber was saying in certain sections of the book which applied to the DEA agent helping the ARU. You have to read the whole story to get it though.
Warning: This book is for Mature Audiences due to Drugs, Violence, and Adult Language.
February 8, 2017
Great Debut Novel
This book was non-stop action. It was an easy read and a real unputdownable page-turner. The characters were well-drawn and the plot was excellent. I cant wait to delve into the next book and I highly recommend The Sam Archer series to those who love action-packed thrillers!
This book was non-stop action. It was an easy read and a real unputdownable page-turner. The characters were well-drawn and the plot was excellent. I cant wait to delve into the next book and I highly recommend The Sam Archer series to those who love action-packed thrillers!
September 13, 2012
Wow,
Really great British thriller, loved the way the action just fizzled from page to page.
Well written and fantastically absorbing as you really submerge yourself in the story.
It's fair to say a now a Tom Barber fan
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book having read the reviews I thought what the hell I will give this ago, my word how glad am, think I have found genre of crime books in the Sam Archer series.
Nine lives is the story of a British government agency specialising in foiling potential terror cell’s after 9/11.
Sam Archer is the youngest man on the division made up of the elite of London’s police offers including his best friend Chalky who together form the cog’s of this highly organised division under the keen guidance of “Mac”.
The government receives information that a terror cell plans on striking the capital on the busiest night of the year New Years Eve, to make
matters worse the government learn that it’s not just one target they have to find the cell is 9 separate suspects targeting 9 separate locations. They team up with the DEA who have vital information that the cells ringleader who is planning on meeting up with his uncle Henry a man who is wanted by the DEA on suspicion of being the ringleader in a worldwide drugs cartel.
Can the two agencies join together and prevent a major tragedy from happening on British soil, time is ticking.
Nine lives will leave you totally drained afterwards, but i assure you it will leave you wanting more in the Sam Archer series.
Tom Barber has written a really absorbing crime book that lets you totally engage with the protagonist’s in it.
Tom's second book in the series "The Getaway" available from amazon now. www.amazon.com/The-Getaway-ebook/dp/B...
Really great British thriller, loved the way the action just fizzled from page to page.
Well written and fantastically absorbing as you really submerge yourself in the story.
It's fair to say a now a Tom Barber fan
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book having read the reviews I thought what the hell I will give this ago, my word how glad am, think I have found genre of crime books in the Sam Archer series.
Nine lives is the story of a British government agency specialising in foiling potential terror cell’s after 9/11.
Sam Archer is the youngest man on the division made up of the elite of London’s police offers including his best friend Chalky who together form the cog’s of this highly organised division under the keen guidance of “Mac”.
The government receives information that a terror cell plans on striking the capital on the busiest night of the year New Years Eve, to make
matters worse the government learn that it’s not just one target they have to find the cell is 9 separate suspects targeting 9 separate locations. They team up with the DEA who have vital information that the cells ringleader who is planning on meeting up with his uncle Henry a man who is wanted by the DEA on suspicion of being the ringleader in a worldwide drugs cartel.
Can the two agencies join together and prevent a major tragedy from happening on British soil, time is ticking.
Nine lives will leave you totally drained afterwards, but i assure you it will leave you wanting more in the Sam Archer series.
Tom Barber has written a really absorbing crime book that lets you totally engage with the protagonist’s in it.
Tom's second book in the series "The Getaway" available from amazon now. www.amazon.com/The-Getaway-ebook/dp/B...
April 22, 2014
As London crowds celebrate the New Year, nine terrorists are somewhere amongst them. Archer, the youngest member of the Armed Response Unit, faces the most dangerous night of his life as he tries to prove himself and justify his spot on the team. Nine Lives does not let up from start to finish. But its fast pace does not detract from the depth of the story or the build up of tension. The terrorists are easy to hate and you are with the task force every step of the way, rooting for them to find the next bad guy before it's too late. There are a few key twists that I did not see coming so I highly recommend this book if you are looking for an entertaining thriller.
For some snippets of previously unknown trivia about the author and the book, please check out: http://simonjenner.com/nine-lives/.
For some snippets of previously unknown trivia about the author and the book, please check out: http://simonjenner.com/nine-lives/.
February 12, 2014
New young writer. Should we be surprised that the author is that good at such a young age ? I'll let Sam Archer answer. "If I'm good enough, I'm old enough" a 24 like story. Action-packed, adrenaline-fueled. It's a fun thrill ride you don't want to end. I'm glad I discovered Tom Barber.
June 7, 2020
Odd read this, quite easy reading, but I finished it a week ago and had to pick it up again to remind myself of the story! It’s a very generic read and instantly forget thriller.
Set in London this is about a para-military team who go after the really bad guys (since the Met already has SO19 and the Government has the SAS I’m not quite sure why they exist, but hey-ho). A junior member is Sam Archer and since he becomes the focal point of a long series, it’s worth keeping an eye on him.
Anyway the team are tasked with tracking down a bunch of terrorists planning a number of “spectaculars”. With the aid of the US and a Mossad agent, they seem to be getting nearer and nearer but might not make it in time. One of Sam’s colleagues is a heavy drinker who develops PTSD, but nobody seems to care, likewise as the Americans and Mossad join the party, that’s all taken at face value as well.
Readable and forgettable. It’s not terrible but it’s not great either. Archer actually does act like a junior member and isn’t the centre piece of the story, I liked that aspect and there might have been other aspects but I’ve obviously forgotten them. Just like you will.
Set in London this is about a para-military team who go after the really bad guys (since the Met already has SO19 and the Government has the SAS I’m not quite sure why they exist, but hey-ho). A junior member is Sam Archer and since he becomes the focal point of a long series, it’s worth keeping an eye on him.
Anyway the team are tasked with tracking down a bunch of terrorists planning a number of “spectaculars”. With the aid of the US and a Mossad agent, they seem to be getting nearer and nearer but might not make it in time. One of Sam’s colleagues is a heavy drinker who develops PTSD, but nobody seems to care, likewise as the Americans and Mossad join the party, that’s all taken at face value as well.
Readable and forgettable. It’s not terrible but it’s not great either. Archer actually does act like a junior member and isn’t the centre piece of the story, I liked that aspect and there might have been other aspects but I’ve obviously forgotten them. Just like you will.
April 22, 2014
If you want escapist, action-packed thrillers with decent characters, and some pretty gratuitous violence then this does exactly that. Enjoyable writing style. Strong three stars.
September 27, 2017
Terrific action and really good plot twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
Unfortunately, the character development was poor. The only things I learned about Sam is that he's young and his dad is/was a Detective with NYPD. I really hope these characters get fleshed out a lot more in future books.
On to #2.
Unfortunately, the character development was poor. The only things I learned about Sam is that he's young and his dad is/was a Detective with NYPD. I really hope these characters get fleshed out a lot more in future books.
On to #2.
September 12, 2014
I have had this book on my Kindle for 2 years now. I wish I had read it back in 2012. That way I might be caught up with all the books in this series. This book features policemen from the Armed Response Unit (ARU), the British equilivant of our SWAT teams. This is the 1st book in the Sam Archer series. I am a little confused on this point, as Sam Archer is just another character in this story. Just one of several policemen on this particular ARU team. He is involved in some of the action, but not all, not even half. You could have called this a "Chalky" book (Sam's buddy on the ARU team), or Cobb (his boss) or whatever.
I guess Sam Archer is featured more in the follow-on books. I have the 2nd book
in this series in my Kindle and I will read it within the next month or so. I was hoping this book would be similar in nature to the last two Simon Kernick thrillers I have read recently, and it was.
Overall a very good job. Yes there were some editorial type mistakes. Mostly awkward wording like when a word is spelled correctly but used out of place (very). At times I had to stop and re-read a sentence or two. Not many times, but at least 3 to 4.
We don't really get to know the characters, with Nine Lives the story focuses on the ARU team as a whole and how they respond to the crisis at hand. But I was very hooked on this story and looked forward to reading it every day. As I mentioned I will read the 2nd "Sam Archer" book soon.
I guess Sam Archer is featured more in the follow-on books. I have the 2nd book
in this series in my Kindle and I will read it within the next month or so. I was hoping this book would be similar in nature to the last two Simon Kernick thrillers I have read recently, and it was.Overall a very good job. Yes there were some editorial type mistakes. Mostly awkward wording like when a word is spelled correctly but used out of place (very). At times I had to stop and re-read a sentence or two. Not many times, but at least 3 to 4.
We don't really get to know the characters, with Nine Lives the story focuses on the ARU team as a whole and how they respond to the crisis at hand. But I was very hooked on this story and looked forward to reading it every day. As I mentioned I will read the 2nd "Sam Archer" book soon.
April 25, 2014
Finally finished it. Passable plot, which is why I kept reading. A good twist with one character, and another twist I had figured out with a second character. I don't really know why the book's title features Sam Archer; he didn't play any more significant role than a couple of other characters. Many flaws in the execution of the plot, including the second last target being open on a Sunday. The writing is amateurish, with way too many gerunds hanging around. After reading the author's background, he doesn't have experience with police procedure or SWAT type teams. He doesn't seem to have served in the military. The ARU spent an awful lot of time standing around, waiting for a lead when time was of the essence. If not for a nosy little old lady, an alert hotel concierge, a couple of on-the-ball subway cops, and Nikki in intelligence, they wouldn't have had the opportunity to save the day. Will not be reading more in the series.
July 19, 2016
Loved this book, read it not expecting a lot (it was a free download a long time ago) and just loved the whole premise. The tension was kept up through the whole book and there was even a big twist I didn't see at the end of the book. Also loved the very ending of the book! It was all based around a terrorist cell in London and a race against time on New Year's Eve to stop a number of atrocities. I think this is one of the most tension filled books I have read as it kept this up throughout the whole book. I will certainly be continuing the series and recommend him to others, I think it will be of particular interest to people who enjoy Daniel Silva, Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, Alex Lukeman, Lee Child, Matt Hilton...to name a few.
April 24, 2014
Action filled, cover to cover. Special British police unit chasing nine terrorists through London on New Year's Eve day and New Year's Day. If nonstop action in a novel is your 'thing', then this is for you. The plot itself isn't too bad, either.
On the downside, the ending is way too predictable as to who the mole was, too contrived on how Archer came to be the one to save the day. Really, is there any police unit that takes a team member with a broken ankle back to headquarters instead of hospital? And then, let him out at the street so he has to walk across the parking lot?
Decent read. I'm sure Barber will improve as he goes along.
On the downside, the ending is way too predictable as to who the mole was, too contrived on how Archer came to be the one to save the day. Really, is there any police unit that takes a team member with a broken ankle back to headquarters instead of hospital? And then, let him out at the street so he has to walk across the parking lot?
Decent read. I'm sure Barber will improve as he goes along.
July 6, 2014
A fast packed action thriller. However the book seemed long. Pages should have been a little lesser - say by around 15-20%. I'd have given it a four if not for poor editing. But overall a good entertaining read.
My rating - 3 1/2 stars. Could not give that. So rated 3.
Would recommend to fans of action and adventure
My rating - 3 1/2 stars. Could not give that. So rated 3.
Would recommend to fans of action and adventure
December 17, 2016
The Armed Response Unit has to find 9 terrorists in London over 48 hours over New Years Eve and New Years Day and prevent terrorist attacks in some highly populated areas within the city. The ARU have to achieve the impossible.
I really enjoyed the plot in the book and the twists and turns. It's a very good read.
I really enjoyed the plot in the book and the twists and turns. It's a very good read.
January 17, 2015
Many twists in the plot make this a fun read. The main character remains rather superficial. You don't really get to know him much as the chief protagonist. Nevertheless it is a page turner and a very good first book. I am looking forward to reading the second in the series.
November 21, 2013
What a find a new author who can deliver a punch!! terrific story a real page turner very well done I want to read more and more from this guy.
April 25, 2014
Slow start but a pretty gripping story about terrorists and an attempt to stop their dastardly plans. Set in London.
September 8, 2018
Wow!
This book made me feel like I was watching a blockbuster action movie! Every second sent spasms of thrills down my bones. This book is a 10 Star thriller!
This book made me feel like I was watching a blockbuster action movie! Every second sent spasms of thrills down my bones. This book is a 10 Star thriller!
December 14, 2019
When I first started reading Nine Lives I really did not have any expectations about the book. The storyline intrigued me and since I received this ARC I figured it was worth reading. Well, let me tell you it was the best decision!!
Nine Lives by Tom Barber is so riveting you cannot put the book down until the very end. It is engrossing, thrilling, suspenseful and full of twists and turns. The ending will definitely surprise you and obviously leaving you wanting more. Now that I know there are more books in the series, I can’t wait to read book 2.
As this is an ARC, the only thing I recommend is there be some divider when you go from one storyline to the other. For me, I had to go back and read the last few sentences in the previous paragraph to realize the following paragraph was talking about someone else.
However, that is easily fixed. Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in a great suspense novel. I would really love to see this in the movies, Jack Ryan watch out you have competition!!
Nine Lives by Tom Barber is so riveting you cannot put the book down until the very end. It is engrossing, thrilling, suspenseful and full of twists and turns. The ending will definitely surprise you and obviously leaving you wanting more. Now that I know there are more books in the series, I can’t wait to read book 2.
As this is an ARC, the only thing I recommend is there be some divider when you go from one storyline to the other. For me, I had to go back and read the last few sentences in the previous paragraph to realize the following paragraph was talking about someone else.
However, that is easily fixed. Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in a great suspense novel. I would really love to see this in the movies, Jack Ryan watch out you have competition!!
April 28, 2020
This is quite a Captivating tale keeping you turning those pages! I was enjoying it up until two well hidden DEA agents were uncovered by two dumb moron idiots? Bothered me no end, not within normal reason. The morons are the ones that should have been shot. Then in the next chapter he says no rifles? What are you talking about, a rifle shot is a surer shot then a hand gun! What happened here Barber, you start smoking dope? What, a mole in the DEA? B.S. really ruins a good tale. Where is the DEA when the deal goes down? They certainly weren’t going to stop it with those two hidden guys. They absolutely needed a bunch of agents, not just two. What gives, you make these agencies out to be worthless, sad commentary. All this pissed me off enough that I had to put the book down for awhile. After picking it up again, I learn of Henry’s daughter being the so called Mossad agent, but come on. Then Mia overpoweringly a Seal, where do you come up with this crap, Barber? Why not try and make it realistic instead of B.S., the story would be better yet! What two men couldn’t arrest Henry in Riyadh, you now send a division?
May 28, 2018
When I stated to read this book I nearly deleted it, it was introducing characters with a lot of description and back story and I was finding it slow going, however the switch to terrorist point of view kept it going, and I am glad I did it was an entertaining read.
A terrorist cell is plotting attacks on English soil, a mole placed in the cell has stopped contacting the anti terrorist squad and they have lost the cell. They approach the Armed Response Unit for help in tracking them down.
The squad do so with the help of DEA agents and Mossad, now this leads to one of my quibbles these agents all claim to be working for others and yet nobody runs an ID?
With the cell leader being the nephew of a drug cartel leader nobody checks that angle, how the hell did the smuggle such massive amount of ordinance into England or get hold of it without it flagging somewhere as well as the
SPOILER Alert
VX gas?
A terrorist cell is plotting attacks on English soil, a mole placed in the cell has stopped contacting the anti terrorist squad and they have lost the cell. They approach the Armed Response Unit for help in tracking them down.
The squad do so with the help of DEA agents and Mossad, now this leads to one of my quibbles these agents all claim to be working for others and yet nobody runs an ID?
With the cell leader being the nephew of a drug cartel leader nobody checks that angle, how the hell did the smuggle such massive amount of ordinance into England or get hold of it without it flagging somewhere as well as the
SPOILER Alert
VX gas?
September 8, 2020
I found this a gripping story. The pace was relentless, occurring over the course of about a day and a half, with possibly thousands of lives at stake. The scenario is a nightmare for Sam Archer, who is the featured character in the first of a series, and the team he is member of, the ARU. Tasked with finding nine terrorists operating in London on New Year’s Eve, the story deals with both the hard police work of tracking suspects, and the luck, good and bad, that sometimes goes with that work. The action was fantastic.
I felt as if the ARU as a team, rather than Sam Archer individually, was featured, so it makes me curious to see if his character moves to the forefront in future stories. Also, in my opinion, the character development was secondary to the race to find the members of the terrorist cell.
I felt as if the ARU as a team, rather than Sam Archer individually, was featured, so it makes me curious to see if his character moves to the forefront in future stories. Also, in my opinion, the character development was secondary to the race to find the members of the terrorist cell.
March 4, 2019
Prime Minister wanted AnArmed Response Team that would act decisively and without hesitation. Cobb was assigned and had a five man intelligence team, and a ten men task force team..New Years Eve and nine terrorist’s are loose in London they lost connect with the person that was there source. Cobb and his teams are called in, to stop suicide terrorist bombers
With the UK & US together band together to stop these men. The characters were good, believable in what they had to do. The plot was tense, with a surprise ending. Can be read as a stand alone.. have read others in this series and all are good,
With the UK & US together band together to stop these men. The characters were good, believable in what they had to do. The plot was tense, with a surprise ending. Can be read as a stand alone.. have read others in this series and all are good,
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