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Matt Drake #28
Theatre of War
Celebrate ten years of the Matt Drake series with its fastest, most explosive thriller to date!
The SPEAR team face their worst enemy yet: The President of the United States . . .
From coast to coast an old, vengeful entity known only as the Scourge launches a series of devastating attacks upon America, attacks designed to bring the country to its knees and turn its people against each other. Looting and violence breaks out in every town and city.
From a nightmare attack in New York City to a fierce confrontation with the Relic Hunters at the Grand Canyon, from Las Vegas to Los Angeles and Washington DC, Matt Drake and his team race to thwart a plan decades in the making.
As the country’s infrastructure fails, as power grids shatter, as society crumbles, the team fight their way across a country in chaos against an unstoppable and faceless evil. The final confrontation with the Scourge awaits, along with a last-ditch assault on the White House . . .
The stakes have never been higher.
The SPEAR team face their worst enemy yet: The President of the United States . . .
From coast to coast an old, vengeful entity known only as the Scourge launches a series of devastating attacks upon America, attacks designed to bring the country to its knees and turn its people against each other. Looting and violence breaks out in every town and city.
From a nightmare attack in New York City to a fierce confrontation with the Relic Hunters at the Grand Canyon, from Las Vegas to Los Angeles and Washington DC, Matt Drake and his team race to thwart a plan decades in the making.
As the country’s infrastructure fails, as power grids shatter, as society crumbles, the team fight their way across a country in chaos against an unstoppable and faceless evil. The final confrontation with the Scourge awaits, along with a last-ditch assault on the White House . . .
The stakes have never been higher.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2021
108 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
David Leadbeater
90 books1,104 followersInternational bestselling author of twenty one thrillers, thirteen in the Matt Drake Action/Adventure series, also The Disavowed and Alicia Myles series'. All available for the Amazon Kindle.
Website - www.davidleadbeater.com
Reader of multiple genres. Husband. Father of two beautiful girls, aged 5 and 7. Joss Whedon fan.
Website - www.davidleadbeater.com
Reader of multiple genres. Husband. Father of two beautiful girls, aged 5 and 7. Joss Whedon fan.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 15, 2023
Leadbetter’s best so far
I’m a pretty harsh critic and rarely post reviews, only a star rating. However, Theatre of War is easily the best of the Matt Drake novels so far.
One reason I really enjoyed this book is Leadbeater chose to characterise the current hot button issue of social media, news and the manipulation of it. While the premise was a thriller trope of an evil mastermind group, the inclusion and speculation of how much our digital and social media focussed world would respond and amplify real or engineered events was extremely well plotted and written.
Leadbeater accurately depicted the digital ‘echo chamber’ many people exist in today. It is not a stretch to see groups such as ‘Sovereign Citizens’ and other populist movements nudged into overt domestic terrorism. Leadbetter captured the effects of radicalisation through small vignettes of the experiences of the ‘average person’ and the ‘mob mentality’. While the novel is there to entertain, hopefully the subject matter will also have readers thinking as well.
I accessed the novel through Kindle Unlimited. Previous Drake novels were sometimes difficult to get through due to the lack of editing. Theatre of War had none of the common editing errors.
My main criticism is the sidebar inclusion of another set of Leadbeater’s characters. Without a spoiler - while I understand the decision in an ‘anniversary’ novel, particularly in such a long running series, I felt the insertion in the narrative was contrived and jarring and could have easily been cut without affecting the storyline, plot or characters - except Alicia, of course!
I am a latecomer to the Matt Drake series. The characters are the hooks that keep me reading. Theatre of War delivers on character, plot and theme. It’s easy to see David Leadbeater’s growth as a writer through the Drake series. This book is the best so far, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
I’m a pretty harsh critic and rarely post reviews, only a star rating. However, Theatre of War is easily the best of the Matt Drake novels so far.
One reason I really enjoyed this book is Leadbeater chose to characterise the current hot button issue of social media, news and the manipulation of it. While the premise was a thriller trope of an evil mastermind group, the inclusion and speculation of how much our digital and social media focussed world would respond and amplify real or engineered events was extremely well plotted and written.
Leadbeater accurately depicted the digital ‘echo chamber’ many people exist in today. It is not a stretch to see groups such as ‘Sovereign Citizens’ and other populist movements nudged into overt domestic terrorism. Leadbetter captured the effects of radicalisation through small vignettes of the experiences of the ‘average person’ and the ‘mob mentality’. While the novel is there to entertain, hopefully the subject matter will also have readers thinking as well.
I accessed the novel through Kindle Unlimited. Previous Drake novels were sometimes difficult to get through due to the lack of editing. Theatre of War had none of the common editing errors.
My main criticism is the sidebar inclusion of another set of Leadbeater’s characters. Without a spoiler - while I understand the decision in an ‘anniversary’ novel, particularly in such a long running series, I felt the insertion in the narrative was contrived and jarring and could have easily been cut without affecting the storyline, plot or characters - except Alicia, of course!
I am a latecomer to the Matt Drake series. The characters are the hooks that keep me reading. Theatre of War delivers on character, plot and theme. It’s easy to see David Leadbeater’s growth as a writer through the Drake series. This book is the best so far, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
June 9, 2021
Theatre of War - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Avengers Assemble meet Rambo (mixed with the Hulk), meets the A-Team for a Mission Impossible - could be an alternative/subtitle for Prince of Action-Thrillers, David Leadbeater's 28th sensational Matt Drake novel, Theatre of War.
The title is referenced several times throughout the riveting storyline, that sees a combination of very human 'superheroes' in the SPEAR operatives - Drake, Mai, Dahl (who's the Rambo-like/Hulk-sized warrior), Alicia, Kenzie, Shawna, Hayden, Cam and Kinimaka), plus The Relic Hunters team (Bodie & co) and other allies, known as The Disavowed, (Trent, Silk and Radford) - each group working separately and occasionally together.
The new 'Russian Revolution' - whose Romanov 'Shadow Royalty' are seeking world domination, (led by the so-called Scourge) commence 'WWIII', with a second 'American Civil War' to begin the Armageddon. Whipped up with 'fake news', terrorist attacks, a puppet President works against his own country, using police and the FBI, co-ordinated revolutionaries and malcontents, killing innocent bystanders, in a six-part attack, which the good guys seem powerless to prevent or bring to an end, no matter what sacrifices they make in the many battles and skirmishes along the way.
How will it all end? Is America doomed to be in the forefront of the end of the world as we know it?
Get your copy of Theatre of War by David Leadbeater as soon as you possibly can...shoo!
Avengers Assemble meet Rambo (mixed with the Hulk), meets the A-Team for a Mission Impossible - could be an alternative/subtitle for Prince of Action-Thrillers, David Leadbeater's 28th sensational Matt Drake novel, Theatre of War.
The title is referenced several times throughout the riveting storyline, that sees a combination of very human 'superheroes' in the SPEAR operatives - Drake, Mai, Dahl (who's the Rambo-like/Hulk-sized warrior), Alicia, Kenzie, Shawna, Hayden, Cam and Kinimaka), plus The Relic Hunters team (Bodie & co) and other allies, known as The Disavowed, (Trent, Silk and Radford) - each group working separately and occasionally together.
The new 'Russian Revolution' - whose Romanov 'Shadow Royalty' are seeking world domination, (led by the so-called Scourge) commence 'WWIII', with a second 'American Civil War' to begin the Armageddon. Whipped up with 'fake news', terrorist attacks, a puppet President works against his own country, using police and the FBI, co-ordinated revolutionaries and malcontents, killing innocent bystanders, in a six-part attack, which the good guys seem powerless to prevent or bring to an end, no matter what sacrifices they make in the many battles and skirmishes along the way.
How will it all end? Is America doomed to be in the forefront of the end of the world as we know it?
Get your copy of Theatre of War by David Leadbeater as soon as you possibly can...shoo!
May 24, 2021
Nail biting action in the best way
In this latest Matt Drake adventure, we meet the team following up on their previous mission. A rogue President of the United States. A secret sect of psychopaths trying to ruin the world. And no one is better for this job than the SPEAR team. I seriously could not put this book down. Absolutely incredible! I loved everything about this novel. The action is spot on. The characters are as amazing as always. And the story itself was beyond perfect. I cannot recommend this book enough. I do strongly suggest reading the books in order. I'm looking forward to more team SPEAR adventures in the future.
In this latest Matt Drake adventure, we meet the team following up on their previous mission. A rogue President of the United States. A secret sect of psychopaths trying to ruin the world. And no one is better for this job than the SPEAR team. I seriously could not put this book down. Absolutely incredible! I loved everything about this novel. The action is spot on. The characters are as amazing as always. And the story itself was beyond perfect. I cannot recommend this book enough. I do strongly suggest reading the books in order. I'm looking forward to more team SPEAR adventures in the future.
September 11, 2021
Say It Isn’t So!
Masterfully written, Theatre of War (Matt Drake 28) Tenth Anniversary Novel by David Leadbeater brings together the old gang to save our world as we think we know it. The horrifying thing is that it so closely parallels what we’ve been seeing in the news for some time. False news could so easily push us over the tipping point. Say it isn’t so and bring on SPEAR to rescue us all!
Masterfully written, Theatre of War (Matt Drake 28) Tenth Anniversary Novel by David Leadbeater brings together the old gang to save our world as we think we know it. The horrifying thing is that it so closely parallels what we’ve been seeing in the news for some time. False news could so easily push us over the tipping point. Say it isn’t so and bring on SPEAR to rescue us all!
July 11, 2022
Fantastic!
This was a brilliant novel. It showed humanity at its worst and its best. Leadbeater demonstrates with such clarity what might happen to our world in such circumstances. And I believe he’s right.
The story flowed and the action never stopped. I enjoyed it immensely. My only problem was what about Sutherland?
Great action and lots of resolution. Just don’t bring these bad guys back! Leave them alone and move on. Please!
This was a brilliant novel. It showed humanity at its worst and its best. Leadbeater demonstrates with such clarity what might happen to our world in such circumstances. And I believe he’s right.
The story flowed and the action never stopped. I enjoyed it immensely. My only problem was what about Sutherland?
Great action and lots of resolution. Just don’t bring these bad guys back! Leave them alone and move on. Please!
November 21, 2023
Fantastic
Theatre of War was a fantastic way to put the finishing touches on 10 years of the Matt Drake series.
I must admit, I did get a bit of a chill while reading the book because it seemed to me that it contained scenarios which could easily be reflected by real life in the future. So, is David Leadbeater merely a great writer or a seer of things yet to come? Time will tell.
In the meantime, I look forward to reading Matt Drake 29 and stocking up on extra food and ammo.
Theatre of War was a fantastic way to put the finishing touches on 10 years of the Matt Drake series.
I must admit, I did get a bit of a chill while reading the book because it seemed to me that it contained scenarios which could easily be reflected by real life in the future. So, is David Leadbeater merely a great writer or a seer of things yet to come? Time will tell.
In the meantime, I look forward to reading Matt Drake 29 and stocking up on extra food and ammo.
May 20, 2021
Amazing read
This book had me on the edge of my seat a few times. This has been one of the best adventures in Spear team history. Honestly thought...no don't want to give anything away. But they certainly earned their money ( How do they get paid🤔) Great read David. Well done *****
This book had me on the edge of my seat a few times. This has been one of the best adventures in Spear team history. Honestly thought...no don't want to give anything away. But they certainly earned their money ( How do they get paid🤔) Great read David. Well done *****
June 22, 2021
Yet another winner from David.
Action packed thriller all the way,with a storyline that grabs your attention from the start and keeps going until the end.
I had difficulty putting this down as I was engrossed in the storyline and the way that David combined the Relic Hunters team with Drake and the Spear team was a master storyteller at his best.
Action packed thriller all the way,with a storyline that grabs your attention from the start and keeps going until the end.
I had difficulty putting this down as I was engrossed in the storyline and the way that David combined the Relic Hunters team with Drake and the Spear team was a master storyteller at his best.
June 25, 2021
Non-stop action!
A fitting ten year anniversary for Matt Drake and company! The team races across the globe trying to stop a plot to devastate and destabilize first the Unired States and ultimately the world. Recent events and policies by governmental leaders remind us how close to anarchy we have come.
A fitting ten year anniversary for Matt Drake and company! The team races across the globe trying to stop a plot to devastate and destabilize first the Unired States and ultimately the world. Recent events and policies by governmental leaders remind us how close to anarchy we have come.
June 4, 2021
Theater of war
I read around120 to 130 books a year and Matt drake and his team are the best of the best. Your imagination to the missions they take on is unbelievable I can't wait to see where you take them next
I read around120 to 130 books a year and Matt drake and his team are the best of the best. Your imagination to the missions they take on is unbelievable I can't wait to see where you take them next
June 9, 2021
Tenth anniversary book and the build up from the last few books against the Secret royal family and POTUS comes to its conclusion, as mayhem grips America. Fast paced as usual, as the team always one step behind, try to save the world.
August 29, 2021
Another good Matt Drake saga
Allure to start but then... I found myself reading longer and longer as the story picked up.
Nice cross over with the Relic Hunters. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Allure to start but then... I found myself reading longer and longer as the story picked up.
Nice cross over with the Relic Hunters. Looking forward to the next instalment.
September 14, 2021
Great story.
Another great story. Loved the way you tied all the end together. Look for to what ever comes next for this great cast you created. Continue to think outside the box for your storylines.
Another great story. Loved the way you tied all the end together. Look for to what ever comes next for this great cast you created. Continue to think outside the box for your storylines.
September 21, 2021
Absolutely love these
I read every night in bed and these are brilliant books. Glad Matt drake and team met the relic hunters I feel a two team book coming on. Can't wait to read more never a full moment would make a great series
I read every night in bed and these are brilliant books. Glad Matt drake and team met the relic hunters I feel a two team book coming on. Can't wait to read more never a full moment would make a great series
October 14, 2021
is this the end
A our author David again gives us a run and in this book you need to keep up so much to take in. Fantastic story for the tenth anniversary of our Matt Drake NOT to be missed 28 of them fights like no others this if they all survive is more than more
A our author David again gives us a run and in this book you need to keep up so much to take in. Fantastic story for the tenth anniversary of our Matt Drake NOT to be missed 28 of them fights like no others this if they all survive is more than more
January 7, 2022
Matt Drake 28
Interesting with similarities happening today with Elites trying to control the world. This is great for the reading male which likes action sorry but my opinion. Strong female characters which we would all love to fight like to protect ourselves.
Interesting with similarities happening today with Elites trying to control the world. This is great for the reading male which likes action sorry but my opinion. Strong female characters which we would all love to fight like to protect ourselves.
August 12, 2022
Wow great read!
Love this series and the great characters! It was a fast pace thrill ride from start to finish. The gang is best when all together. Get the books and leave your reviews.
Love this series and the great characters! It was a fast pace thrill ride from start to finish. The gang is best when all together. Get the books and leave your reviews.
October 3, 2022
Brilliant Series
Theatre of War (Matt Drake Book 28) by David Leadbeater. America is attacked. A plan years in development. Who is orchestrating it? Matt and his team are determined to find out.
Theatre of War (Matt Drake Book 28) by David Leadbeater. America is attacked. A plan years in development. Who is orchestrating it? Matt and his team are determined to find out.
May 28, 2021
Good series, to bad it's over
June 4, 2021
Cracking read
This is another book that just races along with action all the way. What a brilliant start to a two book set if book two is as good it will be another winner.
This is another book that just races along with action all the way. What a brilliant start to a two book set if book two is as good it will be another winner.
June 4, 2021
Non stop action. Like a transcript of a Michael Bay fever dream. Excellent stuff
July 23, 2021
Another wonderful book
Not a lot can be said great as all well written on the edge of the edge with a good ending.
Not a lot can be said great as all well written on the edge of the edge with a good ending.
September 22, 2021
Not soooooo exciting...
January 2, 2022
Another great book from Mr Leadbeater, lots of action and humour. David's books never get boring, they only get better
February 1, 2022
Chaos
More than ever before chaos reigns. It's almost too much to bear. Suki arises. Las Vegas falls. Does SPEAR survive intact? Wait.and read.
More than ever before chaos reigns. It's almost too much to bear. Suki arises. Las Vegas falls. Does SPEAR survive intact? Wait.and read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews