What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Gold: A Terrorism Thriller
Ecoterrorists made it personal. Now, the hunt is on. Environmental terrorists that will stop at nothing to end production of oil including a cyber attack against the Texas power grid. A family that will go to their own extremes to protect their legacy and beloved state of Texas.Cyber Warfare does not risk the life of a single soldier on a battlefield, yet may bring your enemy to its knees. International bestselling author, Bobby Akart, one of America's favorite storytellers, delivers up-all-night thrillers to readers in 245 countries and territories worldwide."In this terrorism thriller, Akart does a terrific job of wrapping his research in a fast-paced thrill ride!"BLACK GOLD is the story of environmental terrorists waging war against the Texas oil industry through physical violence and cyber attacks. They will stop at nothing to end oil production, including shutting down the power grid.They soon learn not to mess with Texans especially the family behind Sterling Energy who will go to their own extremes to protect their legacy and their beloved state of Texas."Mr. Akart is an outstanding writer and manages to bring drama, fear, love and even joy out in all of his books."A guerrilla war rages between the petroleum industry and ecoterrorists. As the violence escalates Texas oil producers fight back. The battle takes an unexpected turn, one that impacts every Texan and all of America. How far will both sides go in the fight over Black Gold?"You are there. Feeling what they feel. Anger, joy, love, mourning. You feel it all. Not everyone can write a book like this. It takes a special writer to make you feel a book."With the eco-terrorists stymied in their efforts and suffering casualties as well, they turn to another battlefield - cyber warfare. Tensions escalate and as the eco-terrorists achieve success, they decide to go big or go home. They set their sights on ERCOT - the Texas power grid."Akart is simply one of the best storytellers out there."Million-copy bestselling author, Bobby Akart, delivers intense, up-all-night thrillers that have you whispering just one more chapter until the end.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2021
84 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Bobby Akart
98 books406 followersInternational bestselling author, Bobby Akart, one of America's favorite storytellers, delivers up-all-night thrillers to readers in 245 countries and territories worldwide. He's achieved Amazon Top 5 Author status in both fiction and non-fiction genres, Amazon Kindle All Star and Top 50 Amazon Author (#35) and Top 25 Best Selling Book on Amazon Charts (Yellowstone #25).
"He's right up there with James Patterson, David Baldacci, Brad Thor and others that write thrillers. To me he actually surpasses them.”
He has written more than 80 novels in the disaster, survival, medical and political thriller genres.
"He's right up there with James Patterson, David Baldacci, Brad Thor and others that write thrillers. To me he actually surpasses them.”
He has written more than 80 novels in the disaster, survival, medical and political thriller genres.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 19, 2021
Wow! What a ride,
Bobby. Akart only delivers the very best! This nook is a true page turner that I could not put down. As usual, Mr Akart has a way of taking a very real potential threat and weaving it into a story. No matter what, at the end you are left thinking, what if it’s real!
Bobby. Akart only delivers the very best! This nook is a true page turner that I could not put down. As usual, Mr Akart has a way of taking a very real potential threat and weaving it into a story. No matter what, at the end you are left thinking, what if it’s real!
October 14, 2021
Bobby Akart takes on his most controversial topic in today's news, climate control, in his newest stand alone novel Black Gold. This is a powerful and emotional story of an attack on the oil industry, centering on the Sterling family who got started in the business by Dutch Sterling in 1920. The head of the company passed down through generations, with each running the company with integrity in mind. What follows in this story is what nightmares are made of. One man who believes in saving the earth at all costs, sets out to destroy everything the Sterling family stands for. Lives mean nothing to this man who uses the internet to hide behind and sets out to wreak havoc.
Bobby Akart has written a gripping story that had me in its throes from the first chapter. My emotional levels were at an all time high and my heart rate was off the chart as I quickly devoured the story. Flipping pages as each new chapter started in what I consider to be the best book written by this author, I read faster as the action began to build until it reached the apex and the end came too soon. This story has everything you would want in a book! Thrilling scenes, action, horror, terrorism, hope, and an ending that will leave you breathless!
So…plan out your reading time with this one folks, find your cozy reading spot, get your favorite beverage and be prepared to lose yourself in this phenomenal story.
Bobby Akart has written a gripping story that had me in its throes from the first chapter. My emotional levels were at an all time high and my heart rate was off the chart as I quickly devoured the story. Flipping pages as each new chapter started in what I consider to be the best book written by this author, I read faster as the action began to build until it reached the apex and the end came too soon. This story has everything you would want in a book! Thrilling scenes, action, horror, terrorism, hope, and an ending that will leave you breathless!
So…plan out your reading time with this one folks, find your cozy reading spot, get your favorite beverage and be prepared to lose yourself in this phenomenal story.
October 18, 2021
As usual, Mr. Akart has delivered a majestic thriller while warning of the evil in mens' hearts.
Of all the disaster scenarios that have dripped from the pen of Bobby Akart, this little stand-alone novel about eco-terrorism is the most compelling to me. Hacktivists and anarchist groups like Antifa depend on fear to advance their agendas and Bobby can portray that fear in terrorising words. Reading such raises my hackles, makes me want to jump up and 'get me some!' I cry for the injured and defenseless, rage at the bad guys, and scream with impotent rage when one of my favorite characters are hurt or killed! Such is the artistry of the author. Such is the realm of Bobby Akart. Another fine work, sir!
Of all the disaster scenarios that have dripped from the pen of Bobby Akart, this little stand-alone novel about eco-terrorism is the most compelling to me. Hacktivists and anarchist groups like Antifa depend on fear to advance their agendas and Bobby can portray that fear in terrorising words. Reading such raises my hackles, makes me want to jump up and 'get me some!' I cry for the injured and defenseless, rage at the bad guys, and scream with impotent rage when one of my favorite characters are hurt or killed! Such is the artistry of the author. Such is the realm of Bobby Akart. Another fine work, sir!
October 19, 2021
Sterling energies is one of the largest independent oil companies in Texas. The Sterling family are strong and independent as well. Stephanie is the current matriarch. Her children Maverick and Dutch run the operation. This is the type of family you would be proud to be a part of. Spencer Gauthier wants to take them down. Ecoterrorists are paying him to do it with cyber attacks. He is about learn, he isn't just dealing with one company, he is messing with Texas. Another awesome book by this author.
October 19, 2021
Great Read
As always, well research and well written. Obviously the ending sets up round 2 and can’t wait as with all of Mr Akhart’s novels. Keep them coming. Great entertaining whilst warning us of the perils facing modern life.
As always, well research and well written. Obviously the ending sets up round 2 and can’t wait as with all of Mr Akhart’s novels. Keep them coming. Great entertaining whilst warning us of the perils facing modern life.
October 18, 2021
Frighteningly realistic and possible....
This one will send chills down your spine as it is an all too plausible diagram for mayhem and financial disaster.... A five star blueprint!
This one will send chills down your spine as it is an all too plausible diagram for mayhem and financial disaster.... A five star blueprint!
October 16, 2021
Great start on a new series
I took a break from Bobby Akarts books. All oh the characters seemed like superheros. Too good to be true. I am do glad he found his way back home.
Enjoyed the book. The storyline is believable. Looking forward to reading book two.
What????? "During the twenty-minute drive across Houston....". Dream on little cowgirl.
I took a break from Bobby Akarts books. All oh the characters seemed like superheros. Too good to be true. I am do glad he found his way back home.
Enjoyed the book. The storyline is believable. Looking forward to reading book two.
What????? "During the twenty-minute drive across Houston....". Dream on little cowgirl.
October 17, 2021
Another creatively written winner!
This was a very satisfactorily read. I expect nothing less than the best from Bobby Akart! Nothing being a football fan, I felt the chapters on the game were interesting only from learning the point of view of Coach Dad. Most other people would probably catch more of the parallels shown between planning football scrums, computer hacking and environmental activism. However, the strong family response and unbreakable loyalty of their company members as they combated terrorism in the football field, oil rigs, electrical systems and corporate offices was fascinating. This was a apropos look at activism and environmental concerns gone bad... not to mention the scary (though brief) highlighting of our federal government's spiraling descent into policies designed to gradually but inexorable defeat our great country from within.
This was a very satisfactorily read. I expect nothing less than the best from Bobby Akart! Nothing being a football fan, I felt the chapters on the game were interesting only from learning the point of view of Coach Dad. Most other people would probably catch more of the parallels shown between planning football scrums, computer hacking and environmental activism. However, the strong family response and unbreakable loyalty of their company members as they combated terrorism in the football field, oil rigs, electrical systems and corporate offices was fascinating. This was a apropos look at activism and environmental concerns gone bad... not to mention the scary (though brief) highlighting of our federal government's spiraling descent into policies designed to gradually but inexorable defeat our great country from within.
October 17, 2021
Great story line
I always like your stories set in familiar places. While I raised children 18 miles from Bryan/College Station on the other hand grew up in Andrews the heart of oil country which you highlighted in your Lone Star series. My dad was a geologist who worked for big oil.Every piece of this story was plausible except Bryan highs school colors (not purple),) and enjoyable reading. My next favorite is New Madrid earthquake. After a lifetime in Texas I'm relocating to Albert Lea, MN. Why not feature that area? Thanks Bobby Akart I like the stand alone reads as well as your series!!!
I always like your stories set in familiar places. While I raised children 18 miles from Bryan/College Station on the other hand grew up in Andrews the heart of oil country which you highlighted in your Lone Star series. My dad was a geologist who worked for big oil.Every piece of this story was plausible except Bryan highs school colors (not purple),) and enjoyable reading. My next favorite is New Madrid earthquake. After a lifetime in Texas I'm relocating to Albert Lea, MN. Why not feature that area? Thanks Bobby Akart I like the stand alone reads as well as your series!!!
October 24, 2021
A Hidden Enemy
Many people think of being hacked as a minor inconvenience. That may have been true a decade ago, but with everything linked and networked, on the net, instead of paper. Today, it can be a major threat to business and our lives. Akart has realistically shown his readers the reason why we should be aware of who and what hackers are targeting. The threat of being severely hacked ups just as much a threat, maybe even more, than more conventional types of war. His fact-based writing draws the reader into a web full of intrigue. You will acquire a hunger that will only be quenched by reading what comes next. I recommend this book.
Many people think of being hacked as a minor inconvenience. That may have been true a decade ago, but with everything linked and networked, on the net, instead of paper. Today, it can be a major threat to business and our lives. Akart has realistically shown his readers the reason why we should be aware of who and what hackers are targeting. The threat of being severely hacked ups just as much a threat, maybe even more, than more conventional types of war. His fact-based writing draws the reader into a web full of intrigue. You will acquire a hunger that will only be quenched by reading what comes next. I recommend this book.
November 20, 2021
Black Gold: A Terrorism Thriller
I love, loved this book. I am a born and bred Texan living in Houston, TX. I know of our independent power grid. I am so sick and tired of these activists who want to shut down the oil companies . like Maverick in the story telling these deluded fools what all that we have and use is from petroleum and they are too ignorant to realize it. I challenge these people to endure their lives without all that fossil fuel delivers they just might Chang their minds. It' s horrible that we have maniacs like Janius that hacks into software and causes such destruction. Again I loved this book!
I love, loved this book. I am a born and bred Texan living in Houston, TX. I know of our independent power grid. I am so sick and tired of these activists who want to shut down the oil companies . like Maverick in the story telling these deluded fools what all that we have and use is from petroleum and they are too ignorant to realize it. I challenge these people to endure their lives without all that fossil fuel delivers they just might Chang their minds. It' s horrible that we have maniacs like Janius that hacks into software and causes such destruction. Again I loved this book!
March 9, 2022
Bobby Akart strikes gold again with this one, pun intended. I love the history lesson of Texas oil and independent streak. The storyline of ecoterrorists going after the oil and energy industry is all too close to home given what's going on right now. As we are seeing gas prices at all time highs in real life, it really drives home the reality of what a situation like this would feel like. At least in the early stages. I also appreciate the use of a mid-size oil company, owned and run by real down-to-earth people, as opposed to just a cliche big oil bad guy. It creates a different dynamic between the good and bad characters in the story.
October 17, 2021
Black gold
Ok. This guys a good writer. I wish I had his talent. But he's obviously never been on a rig and know nothing about the oil business. A few examples he says a route out and a floor hand are the same.. They're not. He talks about rig people working 8 hour shifts and staying out 21 days. They don't. No alcohol is allowed on an offshore platform. Too many others to cover. Its kind of like some writer's saying their hero took the safety off his glock(glocks don't have a safety).very minimal research could have fixed this. He didn't take the time.
Ok. This guys a good writer. I wish I had his talent. But he's obviously never been on a rig and know nothing about the oil business. A few examples he says a route out and a floor hand are the same.. They're not. He talks about rig people working 8 hour shifts and staying out 21 days. They don't. No alcohol is allowed on an offshore platform. Too many others to cover. Its kind of like some writer's saying their hero took the safety off his glock(glocks don't have a safety).very minimal research could have fixed this. He didn't take the time.
October 19, 2021
Poor
The book for me was a disappointment it was long on describing a family that detracted from the plot. There were long sections about an American football match between 2 schools which again in my opinion were needlessly long, detailed and had very little to do with the overall story. Indeed it was at about 40% into the book before any kind of action took place.
A lot of the book was what I considered to "packing"
Sorry but I thought it was pretty poor, the only redeeming point was it was free for amazon prime members, so luckily I didn't directly pay for it.
The book for me was a disappointment it was long on describing a family that detracted from the plot. There were long sections about an American football match between 2 schools which again in my opinion were needlessly long, detailed and had very little to do with the overall story. Indeed it was at about 40% into the book before any kind of action took place.
A lot of the book was what I considered to "packing"
Sorry but I thought it was pretty poor, the only redeeming point was it was free for amazon prime members, so luckily I didn't directly pay for it.
May 23, 2025
A surprisingly well-balanced fictional story of eco-terrorism versus big oil that is hard to pretend it's entirely made up, given the current political climate, particularly in the US, where alternative energy options are actively being shut down and "big oil" has such an inordinate influence in Washington. While the story's eco-terrorists come across as "more" bad, the "heroes" on the side of the oil company certainly have their ethical weaknesses as well. Just like in the real world. Regardless, it's an engaging and informative story, the first I've read from this author.
October 15, 2021
terrible
56% in and I simply couldn’t read anymore of this drivel.
I work in the O&G industry and to think for a second that one beer, let alone massive quantities of alcohol are allowed on any offshore installation is an insult to people that sacrifice so much.
Nothing in this garbage of a story is the slightest bit realistic.
Save yourself the agony and find something else to spend your afternoon.
56% in and I simply couldn’t read anymore of this drivel.
I work in the O&G industry and to think for a second that one beer, let alone massive quantities of alcohol are allowed on any offshore installation is an insult to people that sacrifice so much.
Nothing in this garbage of a story is the slightest bit realistic.
Save yourself the agony and find something else to spend your afternoon.
October 17, 2021
Action Packed - could not put it down!
Was excited to see a new Bobby Akart book was out. I’m a massive fan of the different series. The ease at which the sub plots are interwoven is incredible. I hope we get to read about how Texas fares during the repairs and if they can keep their independence from the feds
Was excited to see a new Bobby Akart book was out. I’m a massive fan of the different series. The ease at which the sub plots are interwoven is incredible. I hope we get to read about how Texas fares during the repairs and if they can keep their independence from the feds
October 18, 2021
Greatness has been read in these pages.
I lived the book. I can't stand the fact that its stand alone though. Yes I saw the Easter eggs but I want more. Obviously, I am a minority in the wanting more series books, but please can we get more? Truly a book worm that needs more books to read
I lived the book. I can't stand the fact that its stand alone though. Yes I saw the Easter eggs but I want more. Obviously, I am a minority in the wanting more series books, but please can we get more? Truly a book worm that needs more books to read
October 25, 2021
Another "Nail biter"
Bobby Smarts books are not for the occasional reader.
BUT, if you want a factual, action filled synopsis of what our future could be; this is the writer for you!
I have read several if his series of books, and have NEVER been disappointed.
In my humble Texas opinion, he's the best writer in the world today. JL
Bobby Smarts books are not for the occasional reader.
BUT, if you want a factual, action filled synopsis of what our future could be; this is the writer for you!
I have read several if his series of books, and have NEVER been disappointed.
In my humble Texas opinion, he's the best writer in the world today. JL
October 31, 2021
Highly relevant
Bobby always delivers the well informed and adventurous action packed novel!
Climate change is viewed through the lens of Cyber Hackers and Big Oil Companies.
A Cyber Master hacker Janus, funded by wealthy patrons who wish to make a huge change to our planet!
Highly recommend
Bobby always delivers the well informed and adventurous action packed novel!
Climate change is viewed through the lens of Cyber Hackers and Big Oil Companies.
A Cyber Master hacker Janus, funded by wealthy patrons who wish to make a huge change to our planet!
Highly recommend
December 2, 2021
Great as usual!
I have been a Texan since 1954 and really appreciate our morals and traditions reflected by the Sterling family. This book speaks of what I have been afraid is actually happening. Mr. Akart always reaches the heart of a matter and addresses it in an exciting and believable manner. A great read!
I have been a Texan since 1954 and really appreciate our morals and traditions reflected by the Sterling family. This book speaks of what I have been afraid is actually happening. Mr. Akart always reaches the heart of a matter and addresses it in an exciting and believable manner. A great read!
March 23, 2022
Another great book from Bobby Akart. For me I could 100% relate as both an IT person but as someone that has worked for an Oil/Gas/Energy company for the last 15 years. Also living in Houston all the of the locations are relatable. Highly recommend this book to anyone and because its standalone you dont have to read any books to be able to read this one.
February 7, 2023
Great thriller!
Black Gold is a stand-alone cyber terrorists thriller that I believe could easily become our reality. I especially enjoyed that most of the action occurs in TX. It's very interesting to read about the state in which you live. The characters don't have a lot of background information but, there are plenty of descriptions.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Black Gold is a stand-alone cyber terrorists thriller that I believe could easily become our reality. I especially enjoyed that most of the action occurs in TX. It's very interesting to read about the state in which you live. The characters don't have a lot of background information but, there are plenty of descriptions.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
October 17, 2021
Black Gold
Ugh I thought this was going to be a stand alone book. Now we have to wait for however long it's going to take for the next one. I assume there is going to be a next one.
Ugh I thought this was going to be a stand alone book. Now we have to wait for however long it's going to take for the next one. I assume there is going to be a next one.
October 18, 2021
Another superb novel of intrigue and action…
If you think of intelligent action, plot, characters, and realism, you must think of Bobby Akart. He is the best since Ludlum, Clancy, and Flynn. Don’t miss ANY of his work. So you miss a night or two of sleep- it’s worth it.
If you think of intelligent action, plot, characters, and realism, you must think of Bobby Akart. He is the best since Ludlum, Clancy, and Flynn. Don’t miss ANY of his work. So you miss a night or two of sleep- it’s worth it.
October 29, 2021
Great read,but
I thought this was a stand alone novel. It has a beginning, a middle, but not an end. It was a great story and fun to read but I want to read the Whole story. No one writes a whole novel anymore, just series of books.
I thought this was a stand alone novel. It has a beginning, a middle, but not an end. It was a great story and fun to read but I want to read the Whole story. No one writes a whole novel anymore, just series of books.
November 22, 2021
As always, an AWESOME READ!!
This was, as it always is, with a Bobby Akart book, a TOTALLY non-stop read!!
As a book, about a Terrorist, determined to do all the damage he can, with no regard for any one of, his intended victims he can!!
This was, as it always is, with a Bobby Akart book, a TOTALLY non-stop read!!
As a book, about a Terrorist, determined to do all the damage he can, with no regard for any one of, his intended victims he can!!
June 15, 2022
I think it was well written book just which there would more books to add to the story. I can relate to it from being from the area of Texas it was written about. This story kept on the edge seat the whole time, but like I stated it kind a left things hanging.
January 13, 2023
Terrorist thriller
A regional energy company comes under attack by a ruthless cyber hacker sponsored by big money, all in the name of climate change. Personal attacks on the family owners soon follow, as well attacks on the entire Texas grid.
A regional energy company comes under attack by a ruthless cyber hacker sponsored by big money, all in the name of climate change. Personal attacks on the family owners soon follow, as well attacks on the entire Texas grid.
October 31, 2021
Riveting reading
Once again present day scenario with drama that is page turning. Family loyalty plays out in an all out fight
Once again present day scenario with drama that is page turning. Family loyalty plays out in an all out fight
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews