When elite Navy SEAL Troy Stark is forced into retirement for his dubious respect for authority, he dreads the quiet life awaiting him with his brothers and buddies in Yonkers, New York. But the quiet doesn’t last long: the NYPD needs Troy’s military expertise to help find and stop a major terrorist threat to New York City. To pre-empt the attack, they need him to fly to Europe and stop it at its source—using any means necessary.
Troy finds himself partnered with an Interpol agent who is as different from him as can be, and their instant dislike is mutual. But they have an attack to stop, and only a few days to do it, and together they’ll need each other as they criss-cross Europe in a high-octane cat-and-mouse chase to shut these terrorists down.
But what starts off as a straightforward mission (and an opportunity to clear his name) soon catapults Troy headfirst into a global conspiracy. These criminals are more sophisticated than they appear, and even with Troy’s unparalleled military skills, he and his team find themselves constantly one stop behind. With the fate of New York City on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Where will they strike? And when? And can Troy stop it before it’s too late?
Jack Mars is author of the bestselling LUKE STONE thriller series, which include the suspense thrillers ANY MEANS NECESSARY (book #1), OATH OF OFFICE (book #2) and SITUATION ROOM (book #3).
Disgraced Ex Navy Seal, Troy Stark, is forced into early retirement due to his lack of respect for authority, and he’s not looking forward to it one little bit. Yonkers, New York is where he and his whole family and friends live, but hanging out with them is something he dreads.
However, his new life doesn’t last long before he’s asked to stop a major terrorist attack. A minor attack has already taken place, but it’s believed it was a mere trial before the real thing. This means a trip to Europe to find the actual source of the planned attack.
Stark is partnered with Interpol Agent, Dubois, and its instant dislike for both of them, but whether they like it or not, they’ve got just a few days to stop this attack, so they’ll have to put their differences aside.
This is a black op mission that takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride. I don’t really use the epithet ‘page turner’ very often, but ‘Rogue Force’ certainly earns that title. It twists and turns, but never loses you as it gathers pace towards its satisfying conclusion.
3.5⭐ Genre ~ thriller Series ~ Troy Stark #1 Setting ~ NYC & Europe Publication date ~ May 11, 2022 Est Page Count ~ 259 (p+ 34 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 1 minutes Narrator ~ Phillip Sacramento POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ terrorism, conspiracy
Troy is retired from the Navy when the NYPD asks for his help to bring down some terrorists.
I've been bugged lately when police ask civilians to consult on cases. This one is okay with me since he's ex-military. I liked him and Agent Dubois, even though they didn't like each other.
It's fast paced and the action was non-stop, which kept me listening well into the night. I don't read too many espionage thrillers, but this was a hoopla bonus borrow, so I figured what the hay.
Narration notes: I thought he did a great job. He really kept me engaged.
In the world of espionage thrillers, a new hero has emerged from the shadows. Jack Mars' "Rogue Force" is not just a book; it's a high-octane experience, masterfully brought to life by the compelling narration of Phillip Sacramento. This audiobook, published in 2023, marks the debut of Troy Stark, an elite Navy Seal whose journey we follow with bated breath and clenched fists.
**Narration: The Voice That Carries the Storm
Phillip Sacramento's narration is a force to be reckoned with. His voice, rich and commanding, captures the essence of Troy Stark with such authenticity that one might be forgiven for mistaking him for the character himself. Sacramento's range is impressive, seamlessly shifting from the gruff, no-nonsense tones of a battle-hardened soldier to the nuanced inflections of international characters. His pacing is impeccable, knowing precisely when to ramp up the tension and when to give the listener a moment to catch their breath.
**Plot: A Global Chess Game
The plot of "Rogue Force" is a meticulously crafted tapestry of intrigue and action. Troy Stark, forced into retirement for his unorthodox methods, finds himself thrust back into the fray when the NYPD calls upon his unique skills to thwart a looming terrorist threat. The mission seems straightforward, but as Stark and his unlikely Interpol ally delve deeper, they uncover a conspiracy that spans continents and challenges their every skill.
Mars has a knack for weaving complex narratives that are both intellectually stimulating and viscerally exciting. The story is a cat-and-mouse game that spans the bustling streets of Europe to the corridors of power in America. It's a narrative that doesn't just walk on the edge—it dances on it.
**Character Development: The Making of a Maverick
Troy Stark is not your cookie-cutter protagonist. He's flawed, he's fierce, and he's fascinating. Mars gives us a character who is as much at war with himself as he is with the enemies of the state. His internal conflicts, his struggle with authority, and his unyielding drive to protect his country make him a character you root for, even when you question his methods.
The supporting cast is equally compelling, each with their own backstories and motivations that enrich the narrative. The dynamic between Stark and his Interpol partner is particularly engaging, providing moments of levity and human connection amidst the chaos.
**Themes: The Heart of Heroism
At its core, "Rogue Force" is a meditation on the nature of heroism. What does it mean to be a hero in a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred? Mars doesn't shy away from exploring the moral ambiguities of the covert world Stark inhabits. The book challenges the listener to consider the cost of security and the sacrifices made by those who guard it.
**Conclusion: A New Benchmark in Thrillers
"Rogue Force" sets a new benchmark for audiobooks in the thriller genre. It's a story that resonates with our times, filled with authentic details that only someone with a deep understanding of military and intelligence operations could provide. Jack Mars has crafted a world that's as believable as it is breathtaking, and Phillip Sacramento has given it a great voice.
Very enjoyable action packed story. It’s always interesting to pit the gun-toting slightly crazy American against a more staid European who follows the rules. Most of us can understand both sides at times. I thought this was handled well and I enjoyed the interaction between Stark and Dubois. They made a good team in the end. Very much looking forward to the next installment.
Riveting tale with an excellent character development and an entertaining and clear narration. LGBA reference but no profanity or overly described sexual situations.
Listened. Phillip Sacramento supposedly narrated the whole thing but at about 65% the voice changed dramatically. Gone was the booming, bass-filled cool dude-sounding guy. In place was a rather dull robotic voice. Hmmm. Wonder what happened there?
Regardless. Listening to this OTT action hero book was akin to watching a Mission Impossible film. Lots of gun fights and leaps from bridges and dangling from helicopters and RICH BAD Europeans and SMART computer hackers and IRISH PEOPLE who drank beer, and a couple of BIPOC characters thrown in for good measure.
Fast and fun? Yup. Literary? Nah. Who needs literary when there are thousands of innocent people who need to be rescued?
3.5, rounding up, because it's the polite thing to do.
I have found that I really like author Jack Mars. So far, there hasn't been a series of his that I haven't liked so I was excited to start a new series and go from there.
We are immediately introduced to the male MC Troy Stark. He is a newly "retired" spec ops operator who ignored a direct order from his commander while on a mission in order to try to save a group of women and children. So, his retirement was not really his idea. He is back in New York with his family and is told to report somewhere the next day for a "job interview". The day before the interview, there is a terrorist attack in New York.
The interview ends up being with another "Black" organization and the terrorist attack is their main priority. Troy is immediately "hired" and sent off to Europe to try to follow up on some leads on the next possible attack. He is partnered with an Interpol agent who is as different as night and day from who he is and what his experience has been. This is where things get a little crazy.
I am very familiar with Mr. Mars' style of writing and there is usually non stop action and tension that tends to build and build. Unfortunately, I had a harder time than usual relating to Mr. Stark. He is sent to Europe with no support other than a man he met the day before (yes, he is helpful, but....really?) and it seems as if his goal is definitely NOT the goal of the other agencies in Europe.
I don't know, it was just hard to suspend my believability factor for a lot of it. I think the world building was a little lacking and that was actually surprising to me.
By the end of the book though, I think things began to settle down and the world building felt a bit more solid - still "out there" but maybe not ...as much? In typical fashion, there was non stop action and it definitely kept my interest throughout.
I listened to this on audio and I didn't have any issues with the narrator - Keith Barbaria - who I think was a first time narrator for me.
Am I going to continue on with the next book in this series? Yep, I think I am :)
Tony Stark is a great fighter in both in America and Europe. The story covers finding drones with many bombs. Tony is a rogue that can get the job done no matter what is required. The writing is easy to read and is engrossing. I am looking for the next story.
This book was so fast paced and facts and situations were flying like the drones which had targeted a large building in New York, sending mini drones scattering from each one and blasting people in the head whilst they were watching the drones come towards them.
An unnamed new unit had been set up by a retired ex-forces guy called Colonel Persons, and he had called in Troy Stark, an ex navy seal dismissed for insuburdintion, to see him about joining forces with him and very few others, to investigate these drone murders. Troy didn't need any convincing and flies out to the netherlands to link up with some people there and an interpol agent called Mari Dubois who was about half the size he was but had some spectacular kung fu moves!
Another drone murder took place whilst Troy and Mari were there and now they were picking up the clues with help from interpol. This book sure moves fast and it needs to be read in one sitting so as to absorb and remember all the facts being thrown your way. Really enjoyed this and will start looking out for more Troy Stark books!
Troy Stark finds himself with nothing to do after being dismissed from the army for not following orders. On his first day at home he is told to appear at NYPD for an interview. The interviewer gives him the job of finding the terrorists who attacked the day before and seem to have a plan to do more attacks. As Troy begins his new journey he feels totally alone and expendable but he is not a quitter and finds himself joined by an Interpol agent. They have some trouble trusting each other but get the job done. Troy uses any means at hand to get the info he needs. She, on the other hand wants the rules followed. But, she will follow Troy's lead whenever necessary, then she tells him what he should not have done.
Another one of Jack Mars "edge of seat" thrillers.
This is the first book in the Tray Stark thriller series by Jack Mars. Troy Stark is an elite Navy SEAL forced into retirement due to his rebellious streak and he dreads living the quiet life in Yonkers, New York with his buddies. The NYPD recruits Troy to help stop a terrorist attack in New York. To prevent the attack, Troy must travel to Europe and eliminate the threat by any means necessary. He’s paired with sharp, no-nonsense Interpol agent Dubois, and their mutual dislike adds tension to their mission. As they race across Europe in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, Troy uncovers a global conspiracy far more complex than expected. With the fate of New York City hanging in the balance, Troy must rely on his skills, instincts, and unlikely allies to stop the terrorists before it’s too late. I really enjoyed this wonderfully written action-adventure military thriller novel.
This is the first book in the Tray Stark thriller series by Jack Mars. Troy Stark is an elite Navy SEAL forced into retirement due to his rebellious streak and he dreads living the quiet life in Yonkers, New York with his buddies. The NYPD recruits Troy to help stop a terrorist attack in New York. To prevent the attack, Troy must travel to Europe and eliminate the threat by any means necessary. He’s paired with sharp, no-nonsense Interpol agent Dubois, and their mutual dislike adds tension to their mission. As they race across Europe in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, Troy uncovers a global conspiracy far more complex than expected. With the fate of New York City hanging in the balance, Troy must rely on his skills, instincts, and unlikely allies to stop the terrorists before it’s too late. I really enjoyed this wonderfully written action-adventure military thriller novel.
I've only read the first 6 chapters or so, but I'm struggling with it so far due to errors and believability issues. Firstly, the author makes a point of an access card reader not requiring a swipe of the card and then the main character does exactly that to gain access. He is issued with an NYPD badge in a false name, but uses that, along with a passport in his real name, to prove his identity to Interpol.... We're then supposed to believe that an Interpol techie is able to break the encryption used by a high tech company in under 12 hours (presumably just using his laptop). All that and the main character seems to get his opponents to give up their secrets after a few minutes of violence.
The idea that nefarious super wealthy people create catastrophes to manipulate the market is nothing new. The chilling use of drones is disturbing. But the idea that the only way to make the world right is to execute special justice outside the system is also disturbing. These ideas are nothing new. How they are developed in fiction can be a source of newness. However, the criticism of the justice system and the corruptness of the world may be solved by exploring real solutions in fiction which may promote the betterment of society and fix corrupt systems instead of promoting a form of toxic renegade justice which is just as nefarious as those upon whom conspiracy theories are based.
I'm giving the story four stars because of the use of suspense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
First in a new series by Jack Mars featuring Troy Stark a navy Seal who is about to be discharged under a cloud. His former commanding officer offers him a job which takes him to Europe urgently hunting the terrorists who used drones to launch terror attacks in New York and to stop them before any more occur.
This is a fast paced action thriller in which the characters are introduced and skilfully developed reflecting both strengths and psychological flaws in their makeup rendering them more believable. The end of book one arrives quickly and left me waiting eagerly for the next book in the series.
'Rogue Force' was incredible. I was hooked when it began like a James Bond movie with lots of action. Moreover, the pulsating fast-paced page-turning plot was filled with thrills, suspense, intrigue, snippets of levity, and nerve-wracking tension while trying to foil the terrorist plot against several international infrastructures. The protagonists, Troy Stark and Mari DuBois, made a heck of a team dodging bullets and knife attacks while giving back more of the same to the evil men they encountered. Kudos to the author for including a young lady of color who held her own in a male-dominated field of espionage. I thoroughly liked the riveting ride the narrative offered.
Great story, not too predictable, fast paced action, and great characters. The banter between the various characters is quick, intelligent, and even hilarious at times. I will probably read the next book in the series just to see what these characters will get up to next, and to enjoy the banter- there was an reality to the characters that felt honest.
PG13 for close action combat violence, but not terribly graphic or overly gory. No sex, no language.
Themes include black ops and rogue military service, terrorism, drone attacks, explosions.
Why isn’t there a reference to “attack drones” or “drones that kill people” or something like that in the description for this book? That part hooked me from the start!
I love how the author spent time building up a character and letting me get to know them only to kill them moments later! The character lived in the story only long enough to become part of the setting. That pattern continues in the next book in the series when a character was dying and still thinking about what they would do next, only there was no more next.
I also appreciated the detailed scenes as I felt the energy and intensity of the encounters.
Easy to read but with little inter connection between chapters
I chose this rating because this book reminds me of some kind of soap opera, where after each chapter is finished, the hero, or good guy, reaches a conclusion or completion and then jumps to another location, country in this case. I just wished that there were more of a connection between each chapter. It tend to sound that the action is stopped after the end of each chapter or reaches a conclusion. And on to the next chapter. The author’s writing and detailing of every action and every scene are very good, lucid and straightforward and easy to understand..
Troy Stark, ex navy seal, in process of being discharged from the service for trouble with authority. Gets hired by NYPD as a black ops type guy that investigates a drone strike that occurs in NY with flying bots that come out of the drone and then explode on impact when they hit people, but not kids. This occurs in Europe and so he goes to Europe to track down the source of this activity. He meets up with Alex Dubois and she and Troy join forces and follow the leads to a half brother of a very wealthy woman - Lucien. A very good book, I will definitely be looking to read more Jack Mars books.
An action packed story with death and damage galore. Stark is the man behind most of the deaths, all of which are for a good cause.
Stark has no problem killing baddies. Rather them than him. He’s a black ops agent that does things in an unconventional manner. He’s different and uncompromising. With Dubois, his partner who isn’t really his partner as she works for Interpol in Europe, they chase the person responsible for using super drones that cause havoc and death. They are trying to prevent another attack. It’s a fast paced and brutal story, very tense and very enjoyable.
This thriller is just that, suspenseful and intensely driven. Troy Stark is hired to prevent further attacks on innocent citizens in large municipal cities. This plot is so nefarious As to make you dare stop reading it. If the intent of the author is to make readers aware of the many dangers in the world he has certainly succeeded.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It opened my eyes to potential threats as well as an awareness of the men and women who serve their nations quietly without fanfare or recognition. Sure, it is fiction but there may be a grain of truth in it.
The name of the main character really threw me - I kept thinking IronMan (Tony Stark). After getting past that, it's a typical story of a hero defying stupid orders and being drummed out of the service and being picked up by a clandestine group to save the world.
Troy is likeable, but forges ahead without a thought. He chases all over Europe to find the owner of drones that attacked NY and likely will again. The technology is scary but believeable and his silent partner Alex an enigma!
Better than Spy/Jacob Snow series but still not as good as Zero!