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Matt Drake #3
Hostile Intent
In the espionage community, Vienna is known as the City of Spies, and Matt Drake is about to learn why in the latest electrifying thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Tom Clancy Target Acquired and The Outside Man.
When a mysterious walk-in to the US embassy in Vienna claims to have critical information about a Russian intelligence operation, he raises eyebrows. But when he asks for Matt Drake by name and calls himself the Irishman, he gets the DIA’s premier case officer on a one-way flight.
Matt arrives to find Austria’s charming capital lousy with intelligence officers, all swirling around Nolan Burke—a onetime member of the real IRA. But before Matt can debrief Nolan, the Irishman is kidnapped by a Russian direct action team. Now, Matt must find a way to repay the debt of honor he owes Nolan while stopping World War III in the process.
When a mysterious walk-in to the US embassy in Vienna claims to have critical information about a Russian intelligence operation, he raises eyebrows. But when he asks for Matt Drake by name and calls himself the Irishman, he gets the DIA’s premier case officer on a one-way flight.
Matt arrives to find Austria’s charming capital lousy with intelligence officers, all swirling around Nolan Burke—a onetime member of the real IRA. But before Matt can debrief Nolan, the Irishman is kidnapped by a Russian direct action team. Now, Matt must find a way to repay the debt of honor he owes Nolan while stopping World War III in the process.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2022
251 people are currently reading
2999 people want to read
About the author
Don Bentley
17 books824 followersDon Bentley is the NYT bestselling author of FORGOTTEN WAR, Tom Clancy WEAPONS GRADE, and Vince Flynn's MITCH RAPP series (2024). Former FBI Special Agent and Army Apache pilot. Learn more at www.donbentleybooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
April 24, 2023
Ready or not, Matt Drake has been tasked with the most crucial operation yet, to prevent a nuke from getting in the wrong hands and igniting WWIII. From Austin to Vienna to Kharkiv, Hostile Intent is an exhilarating espionage thriller!
DIA agent Matt Drake recruits and ran assets all over. Matt travels to Vienna after a walk-in who goes by "Irishman" went to the US Embassy and asked for him. Irishman or Nolan has Russian information and wants to trade for Matt's help. Before they get down to the details, Nolan is kidnapped by Russian operators. Matt must find and rescue the man and stop WWIII.
Talk about the timing of Bentley's new release Hostile Intent!! Although this is a fictionalized account of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and nuclear threat, it hit really close to home. Does peacekeeping operation ring a bell? Propaganda galore!
What I love about this series is the clever dialogue, and tongue-in-cheek puns between Matt, his partner "Frodo", and his boss, James. Overall, it's fast-paced with heart-pounding action sequences that keep me turning the pages. Can't wait for book #4!
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this DRC.
Published May 3, 2022
DIA agent Matt Drake recruits and ran assets all over. Matt travels to Vienna after a walk-in who goes by "Irishman" went to the US Embassy and asked for him. Irishman or Nolan has Russian information and wants to trade for Matt's help. Before they get down to the details, Nolan is kidnapped by Russian operators. Matt must find and rescue the man and stop WWIII.
Talk about the timing of Bentley's new release Hostile Intent!! Although this is a fictionalized account of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and nuclear threat, it hit really close to home. Does peacekeeping operation ring a bell? Propaganda galore!
What I love about this series is the clever dialogue, and tongue-in-cheek puns between Matt, his partner "Frodo", and his boss, James. Overall, it's fast-paced with heart-pounding action sequences that keep me turning the pages. Can't wait for book #4!
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this DRC.
Published May 3, 2022
April 30, 2022
Don Bentley infuses
Hostile Intent
, the third book in the Matt Drake thriller series, with action, travel, suspense, and an intensity like few others can achieve. This book, which can be categorized as an espionage thriller, a political thriller, and a military thriller as it has aspects of all three, is set largely in Ukraine and Austria, but there are key scenes in Washington D.C. and Russia as well. Matthew Drake and his wife Laila are at a shooting range when his boss calls. Matt is a Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) case officer who runs and recruits assets all over the world. A walk-in to the US embassy in Vienna, Austria claims he has critical information about a Russian intelligence operation. He asks for Matt by name, not by one of his aliases. Before he can debrief Nolan Burke, a Russian team kidnaps Nolan.
Matt is full of wit and sarcasm, but he has a serious side. He wants to make the world safer and often sacrifices his own well-being to achieve this. He shows character growth despite the large amount of action in this novel, which pleasantly surprised me. The other characters have a variety of depths in their supporting or opposing roles. Some are new to the series and others provide the reader continuity with the prior books in the series.
Fluid writing and fantastic world building, as well as an excellent, fast-paced plot will keep readers engaged. The first three chapters pique your interest while chapter four grabs readers and immerses them in the story. At this point, the action and drama are so compelling the pages nearly turn themselves. I was on a rollercoaster of action and emotion. While there are descriptions of weapons and gear, it is only enough to engage the reader. I believe this approach will make this novel appeal to a wider audience.
Overall, this novel is a shockingly dark, disturbing, suspenseful, and emotional ride. Be aware that there is plenty of danger, intrigue, and violence in this story. Additionally, with the current situation in Ukraine, this one seemed all too realistic. Themes include bureaucratic wars, teamwork, spies, political maneuvering, corruption, graft, differences in operational philosophies, friendship, loss of face, the impact of social media, and much more.
This is the first book that I have read by this author but I am looking forward to the next book in the series as well as going back and reading the first two. I believe those readers who enjoy action thrillers and military thrillers will want to read this book.
Berkley Publishing Group and Don Bentley provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 3, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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Review to be posted in the week prior to publication per publisher guidelines.
Matt is full of wit and sarcasm, but he has a serious side. He wants to make the world safer and often sacrifices his own well-being to achieve this. He shows character growth despite the large amount of action in this novel, which pleasantly surprised me. The other characters have a variety of depths in their supporting or opposing roles. Some are new to the series and others provide the reader continuity with the prior books in the series.
Fluid writing and fantastic world building, as well as an excellent, fast-paced plot will keep readers engaged. The first three chapters pique your interest while chapter four grabs readers and immerses them in the story. At this point, the action and drama are so compelling the pages nearly turn themselves. I was on a rollercoaster of action and emotion. While there are descriptions of weapons and gear, it is only enough to engage the reader. I believe this approach will make this novel appeal to a wider audience.
Overall, this novel is a shockingly dark, disturbing, suspenseful, and emotional ride. Be aware that there is plenty of danger, intrigue, and violence in this story. Additionally, with the current situation in Ukraine, this one seemed all too realistic. Themes include bureaucratic wars, teamwork, spies, political maneuvering, corruption, graft, differences in operational philosophies, friendship, loss of face, the impact of social media, and much more.
This is the first book that I have read by this author but I am looking forward to the next book in the series as well as going back and reading the first two. I believe those readers who enjoy action thrillers and military thrillers will want to read this book.
Berkley Publishing Group and Don Bentley provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 3, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------
Review to be posted in the week prior to publication per publisher guidelines.
April 16, 2022
In Don Bentley Hostile Intel DIA Matt Drake is on vacation when he gets a phone call from his boss. A mysterious man has shown up at U.S embassy in Vienna claiming he has upcoming intelligence on Russian operation, but he will only talk to him Matt Drake. Frodo must figure out a way to stop the Russians and prevent world III The action is nonstop at its best
March 17, 2022
Don Bentley is a relatively new author and is already a must read. He came out of the gate swinging with his debut, Without Sanction, and shows no sign of stopping. I've said this after every new book of his is published but Hostile Intent is his finest work to date.
Matt Drake, a DIA agent, is on vacation with his wife when he gets a phone call from his boss. A mysterious man has shown up at the U.S. embassy in Vienna claiming he has intelligence on an upcoming Russian operation. However, he will only talk to one man - Matt Drake. Perplexed, Drake heads off to Vienna for a chat. Knowing Drake is a magnet for trouble, Frodo (his best friend/guardian angel/handler) heads to Vienna as well. As one does on a trip to Vienna, Drake and Frodo must figure out a way to stop the Russians and prevent World War III.
Just like his previous books, there are things you can bank on: a great story, authentic, non-stop action, fantastic characters, and witty dialogue. Not to mention the predicting the future part. Bentley must have called Ms Cleo at the psychic network because what is happening in the real world and in the book are eerily similar. It's freaky.
If you want a fun, thrilling read look no further than Hostile Intent. You can thank me later.
My sincere thanks to Don Bentley, the Berkeley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Hostile Intent!
Matt Drake, a DIA agent, is on vacation with his wife when he gets a phone call from his boss. A mysterious man has shown up at the U.S. embassy in Vienna claiming he has intelligence on an upcoming Russian operation. However, he will only talk to one man - Matt Drake. Perplexed, Drake heads off to Vienna for a chat. Knowing Drake is a magnet for trouble, Frodo (his best friend/guardian angel/handler) heads to Vienna as well. As one does on a trip to Vienna, Drake and Frodo must figure out a way to stop the Russians and prevent World War III.
Just like his previous books, there are things you can bank on: a great story, authentic, non-stop action, fantastic characters, and witty dialogue. Not to mention the predicting the future part. Bentley must have called Ms Cleo at the psychic network because what is happening in the real world and in the book are eerily similar. It's freaky.
If you want a fun, thrilling read look no further than Hostile Intent. You can thank me later.
My sincere thanks to Don Bentley, the Berkeley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Hostile Intent!
May 22, 2022
Don Bentley has done it again, Hostile Intent is the latest Matt Drake book and it is worth all five stars. This one is frightening close to reality in some ways. Don says in interviews that he had no idea about coming events? Well you can believe what you like but he sure hit the head on the nail. Matt and Frodo is back and this time it starts out in Vienna with a walk in at the embassy and soon evolves to some crazy mayhem all over this beautiful city. Will he make it out of Austria at all? Well read the book and find out. I will say one thing that can be considered a spoiler, Ukraine plays a part in this new fast paced thriller from one of my favorite chopper pilots.
June 2, 2022
**Thanks to BookRiot and Berkley Books for the Don Bentley bundle**
Another fast-paced adventure with superb writing! This is a great series!
Another fast-paced adventure with superb writing! This is a great series!
March 5, 2023
Book Review – With the current world situation taking place between Russia and Ukraine, one would think that author Don Bentley’s new book, “Hostile Intent,” might seem to have some foretelling world affairs ‘powers’ – well, not really. The Russia/Ukraine storyline in this fictional spy espionage thriller is in name only and is unrelatable to the current conflict in Ukraine. However, Don Bentley continues to elevate his ‘storytelling game’ with each new release and his third installment of his Matt Drake series is no different. Hostile Intent joins its two other predecessors – “Without Sanction” and “The Outside Man” at the ‘BIG Boyz’ thriller table of action/spy thrillers. Each book has had unmatchable authenticity thanks to Bentley’s excellent research and former military and government agent experience. And with its almost ripped-from-the-headlines feel of current tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Hostile Intent takes the reader on an unprecedented reading escapade that most thriller enthusiast – such as myself - enjoys experiencing. This narrative takes main character Matt Drake to Vienna, Austria (Spy Capital of the World), to determine why a former IRA militant, asked for him by name at the U.S. Embassy. Russian operatives later get involved in the storyline and an unnamed Russian intelligence agent, soon after tells Drake about a wayward tactical nuclear device being offered for sale by a Ukrainian arms dealer. Anytime the Russians are involved, there are ‘complicated complexities’ that must be addressed. In steps protagonist Matt Drake and his team, including some battle-hardened Navy SEALs, to prevent the Russians from igniting WWIII with the wayward nuke. Tight writing, fast-paced scenes, and exhilarating action sequences, this spy espionage thriller rivals all the other big-name thrillers in the genre. It even has some unique suspense to add to the ample action sequences. The technical details are all appropriate without becoming uninteresting, and the subplots eventually connect with the overall storyline. All the usual characters are back and strongly developed, and I can’t help but to love the humorous exchanges between Drake and Frodo (Drake’s DIA agent partner). Their friendship/partnership is one of my favorite things about this series. Hostile Intent is a very nice addition to the Matt Drake series, and I highly recommend reading it. Don Bentley’s star continues to shine, and he has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Special thank you to Berkley Publishing for the free hardcover book and to NetGalley for the digital advanced reader’s copy.
April 23, 2022
Don Bentley’s third Matt Drake novel, HOSTILE INTENT (May 3) is his best work of the series. This outing finds Matt called overseas to Vienna to answer a mysterious summons at the US Embassy. Once in The City of Spies and accompanied by his wife, Laila, things don’t go as planned, and nothing is as it seems.
Drake, quickly finds himself in the middle of trouble after a collision between the Irishman and a squad of Russian goons. After surviving that encounter, Drake finds himself warily working with Ella, an agent of the Austrian government, to unthread a massive plot involving a nuclear warhead that threatens all of Europe.
Here, Bentley is ominously prescient with his depiction of a Russian invasion of Ukraine and the involvement of Ukrainian militia, written several months before the real-life invasion occurred.
Drake, Laila, and reluctant partner Ella, are joined by Frodo and a small platoon of Navy SEALS in an all-gas no-brakes race to prevent World War Three. With the clock ticking down toward a violent conclusion, Drake and his hastily assembled motley crew must repeatedly save each other as they work together to save Ukraine and Europe.
HOSTILE INTENT is a witty, fun read - equal parts thriller and sitcom - that left me wondering what new hot mess Drake will get himself into in the next chapter.
This book is Don Bentley at his finest!
Drake, quickly finds himself in the middle of trouble after a collision between the Irishman and a squad of Russian goons. After surviving that encounter, Drake finds himself warily working with Ella, an agent of the Austrian government, to unthread a massive plot involving a nuclear warhead that threatens all of Europe.
Here, Bentley is ominously prescient with his depiction of a Russian invasion of Ukraine and the involvement of Ukrainian militia, written several months before the real-life invasion occurred.
Drake, Laila, and reluctant partner Ella, are joined by Frodo and a small platoon of Navy SEALS in an all-gas no-brakes race to prevent World War Three. With the clock ticking down toward a violent conclusion, Drake and his hastily assembled motley crew must repeatedly save each other as they work together to save Ukraine and Europe.
HOSTILE INTENT is a witty, fun read - equal parts thriller and sitcom - that left me wondering what new hot mess Drake will get himself into in the next chapter.
This book is Don Bentley at his finest!
March 20, 2022
Don Bentley's novels have an unmatchable authenticity thanks to his firsthand experience with the stuff of action movies and spy thrillers, as a former special agent who spent a lot of time overseas: And this one has an almost eerie ripped-from-the-headlines feel, the way tensions between Russia and Ukraine come into play. Fans of undercover, international suspense won't want to miss this one, and even if they're new to the series, they can jump right in: From the dialogue to the rising stakes, HOSTILE INTENT will have you eagerly along for the ride from the first page to the last. With thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early read!
March 8, 2022
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Make sure to check out the full review
Make sure to check out the full review
May 22, 2022
Action, suspense and geopolitical issues, this series only gets better and better.
February 21, 2022
HOSTILE INTENT REVIEW grabs you from go & in MATT style doesn't let up. Read it yesterday staying up past midnight, it's that good!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @bentleydonb has written a novel seemly pulled from the headlines, a master class of storytelling. Rooting for Ella's full recovery #MD3
March 9, 2023
I would love to pick Don Bentley's brain about the third book in his Matt Drake series, Hostile Intent.
My friend and fellow author Peter Nealen has pointed out time and again the dangers of trying to keep up with current events when writing in this genre. Geopolitics has a nasty habit of shifting faster than one's hands can write the words. It also has a habit of waiting until a novel is published, and then taking an unpredicted wild turn to render the author's extrapolations incorrect.
As an aside, I should point out that, from conceptualizing the novel to publication, a year is a fair guess to make. While there are George R.R. Martins out there who take years to write a novel, when we're talking about writers in this genre, somewhere between three to nine months of writing time is a fair assumption. After that, you have edits, then once those are done, you have an appropriate publication date set out a ways to help build marketing anticipation.
I bring this up to point out that Hostile Intent was published three months after Russian troops invaded Ukraine. That means it's a fair bet that Bentley plotted this novel months ahead of this, and also a fair bet that the invasion happened during the post-production process. (Don, if you're reading this and are a liberty to speak on this, feel free to confirm or deny!)
On the one hand, I want to ask Bentley how he managed to keep his ear to the ground well enough to predict that Putin would invade Ukraine wholesale. He called that a mile away. He knows how to read the tea leaves, as it were.
On the other hand, given that the invasion went down differently than what Bentley envisioned in the novel, I wonder how he feels about that. Some authors shrug it off and accept predictions won't always be 100% on point, while others kick themselves for predicting the zig when reality presented a zag.
In any case, it is a fabulous novel that shows the return of old characters, the introduction of new characters, a prescient plot full of international intrigue, and (of course) the kinetic action and snappy dialogue for which Bentley is known for.
Highly recommended thriller reading!
My friend and fellow author Peter Nealen has pointed out time and again the dangers of trying to keep up with current events when writing in this genre. Geopolitics has a nasty habit of shifting faster than one's hands can write the words. It also has a habit of waiting until a novel is published, and then taking an unpredicted wild turn to render the author's extrapolations incorrect.
As an aside, I should point out that, from conceptualizing the novel to publication, a year is a fair guess to make. While there are George R.R. Martins out there who take years to write a novel, when we're talking about writers in this genre, somewhere between three to nine months of writing time is a fair assumption. After that, you have edits, then once those are done, you have an appropriate publication date set out a ways to help build marketing anticipation.
I bring this up to point out that Hostile Intent was published three months after Russian troops invaded Ukraine. That means it's a fair bet that Bentley plotted this novel months ahead of this, and also a fair bet that the invasion happened during the post-production process. (Don, if you're reading this and are a liberty to speak on this, feel free to confirm or deny!)
On the one hand, I want to ask Bentley how he managed to keep his ear to the ground well enough to predict that Putin would invade Ukraine wholesale. He called that a mile away. He knows how to read the tea leaves, as it were.
On the other hand, given that the invasion went down differently than what Bentley envisioned in the novel, I wonder how he feels about that. Some authors shrug it off and accept predictions won't always be 100% on point, while others kick themselves for predicting the zig when reality presented a zag.
In any case, it is a fabulous novel that shows the return of old characters, the introduction of new characters, a prescient plot full of international intrigue, and (of course) the kinetic action and snappy dialogue for which Bentley is known for.
Highly recommended thriller reading!
July 13, 2022
Don Bentley is a maestro of mayhem - he does it again in his third Matt Drake novel, fusing international intrigue, charming characterization, and orchestrated chaos! My favorite Matt Drake yet!
January 26, 2024
The third book in the Matt Drake. Matt is looking forward to some rest and relaxation with his wife, when he receives a call to hightail it to Vienna to meet a person who walked into the embassy, claiming to have information on a Russian intelligence operation. He arrives and comes to find out it is a former IRA member who once saved his life. Before he can get the information, the informant is kidnapped. Matt must get try to repay his debt while also stopping a nuclear bomb from falling into the wrong hands.
As with every book in this series, the action is non stop. The book is fast paced jumping from one hit stakes situation to the next. Matt Drake has a good mix of confidence, smart ass comments, and general butt kicking. It is a super fun character, and Mr Bentley has done an excellent job building a story around him.
Overall this is an excellent series and well worth the read. I look forward to catching up with the forth book in the series, Forgotten War. If you are a fan of action thrillers, you won’t be disappointed.
As with every book in this series, the action is non stop. The book is fast paced jumping from one hit stakes situation to the next. Matt Drake has a good mix of confidence, smart ass comments, and general butt kicking. It is a super fun character, and Mr Bentley has done an excellent job building a story around him.
Overall this is an excellent series and well worth the read. I look forward to catching up with the forth book in the series, Forgotten War. If you are a fan of action thrillers, you won’t be disappointed.
May 10, 2022
Matt Drake is an intelligent Officer working in DIA and is sent to Vienna for a short mission, to talk to someone.
That someone asked him by his real name. Nolan met him and were then kidnapped by Russian operatives.
Matt has to find out why Nolan wanted to meet and why is it so important.
The action pack story is good.
That someone asked him by his real name. Nolan met him and were then kidnapped by Russian operatives.
Matt has to find out why Nolan wanted to meet and why is it so important.
The action pack story is good.
May 14, 2022
Put the DÍA and Mossad together and you know the world will be safe. Matti and Frodo are a great partnership. The excitement is great and the battle against Russian bad actors is too contemporaneous for comfort.
April 13, 2022
In a situation somewhat mirroring real life - Russia is threatening to attack Ukraine - and Drake is called on to repay the favor he owes to the Irishman. It's on him to stop World War 3.
The third instalment in the Matt Drake series doesn't disappoint - his character development and narrative are on point. I love the humor thrown into the exchanges between Drake and Frodo, their friendship is one of my favorite things about this series.
The third instalment in the Matt Drake series doesn't disappoint - his character development and narrative are on point. I love the humor thrown into the exchanges between Drake and Frodo, their friendship is one of my favorite things about this series.
May 10, 2022
Another hit for Don Bentley. Fast-paced and "unputdownable"...Crisp. Clean. Hard-hitting. Matt and Frodo securing their place as iconic characters in the thriller world.
July 5, 2022
Another action packed, current to the times, thriller. The action rolls along and ends with a bang. Great characters and current situations lead to an ending that leaves the reader ready for the next book in the series.
August 8, 2022
Fast moving, fast action
Matt reminds me of Ben Porter, a serious but witty hero, in False Assurances, Threat Bias, Subversive Addiction and Vital Deception. Read them and tell me if I’m right!!!
Matt reminds me of Ben Porter, a serious but witty hero, in False Assurances, Threat Bias, Subversive Addiction and Vital Deception. Read them and tell me if I’m right!!!
February 16, 2022
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Hostile Intent is an in your face thriller with an old school feel. The twists and turns of this story will hit you upside the head more times than Matt Drake has taken a concussive blow to the dome during his very active career.
With the current state of world affairs, Bentley seems to have prophetic powers. Drake, enjoying the beginning of a well deserved vacation is called back in. A mysterious walk-in at an embassy asks specifically for the DIA agent. Expecting to be routed back to the Sandbox, Matt finds himself in one of the last places he’d expect to be… in the heart of Europe.
Make sure to check out the full review
Hostile Intent is an in your face thriller with an old school feel. The twists and turns of this story will hit you upside the head more times than Matt Drake has taken a concussive blow to the dome during his very active career.
With the current state of world affairs, Bentley seems to have prophetic powers. Drake, enjoying the beginning of a well deserved vacation is called back in. A mysterious walk-in at an embassy asks specifically for the DIA agent. Expecting to be routed back to the Sandbox, Matt finds himself in one of the last places he’d expect to be… in the heart of Europe.
Make sure to check out the full review
May 13, 2022
One of the main reasons I really enjoy Dons books is the humor. Matt Drake his character is always going to do the smart thing which of course you can bet is usually exactly what doesn't happen, often in surprising ways I read so many thrillers but Dons light touch puts it in a class by itself so please try the Matt Drake, the thrillers that can give you a smile.
May 3, 2022
Don Bentley and Matt Drake get even better!!!!!
I think when I reviewed the last Matt Drake book, I said I would pre-order this one and happily read it the second it appeared in my Kindle library. Well last night at 9pm it did just that, and after getting very little sleep I can say that I am very glad that I did!
This book sees Matt in Europe facing new enemies with old friends. My favorite part of Don Bentley’s writing are his characters. They are so human, and you want to be friends with them. Matt Drake makes bad jokes, gets angry, makes mistakes, makes good jokes, and man does he love his wife. He also kicks ass with his usual aplomb.
Like the last book the action starts at the beginning with Drake cruising down the road having a conversation. From there, with the help of old and new friends, he takes the fight to an adversary that is seemingly unbeatable. Unbeknownst to Matt, he has involved himself in something that has far reaching implications at home and abroad.
The action is well paced, and tightly written. Not only is there no mall ninja camp, Bentley actually makes those guys a joke at one point, which brought me immense joy. If you where smedium t-shirts, shop exclusively at 5-11, or take your S&W .500 to an indoor range, read this book and PLEASE pay attention to the first chapter.
Consistently every Matt Drake novel has been better than the one before it, and the debut novel set an exceedingly high bar to begin with. I honestly thought that when Bentley took over the Jack Ryan Jr. series that the workload might possibly have a negative effect, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. The last Jr. book was substantially better than the previous couple, as well as this one. Don Bentley has now officially landed on my top five favorite fiction authors. The other four are Mark Greaney, Greg Hurwitz, Jack Carr, and Brad Thor. That is not bad company to be in.
I think when I reviewed the last Matt Drake book, I said I would pre-order this one and happily read it the second it appeared in my Kindle library. Well last night at 9pm it did just that, and after getting very little sleep I can say that I am very glad that I did!
This book sees Matt in Europe facing new enemies with old friends. My favorite part of Don Bentley’s writing are his characters. They are so human, and you want to be friends with them. Matt Drake makes bad jokes, gets angry, makes mistakes, makes good jokes, and man does he love his wife. He also kicks ass with his usual aplomb.
Like the last book the action starts at the beginning with Drake cruising down the road having a conversation. From there, with the help of old and new friends, he takes the fight to an adversary that is seemingly unbeatable. Unbeknownst to Matt, he has involved himself in something that has far reaching implications at home and abroad.
The action is well paced, and tightly written. Not only is there no mall ninja camp, Bentley actually makes those guys a joke at one point, which brought me immense joy. If you where smedium t-shirts, shop exclusively at 5-11, or take your S&W .500 to an indoor range, read this book and PLEASE pay attention to the first chapter.
Consistently every Matt Drake novel has been better than the one before it, and the debut novel set an exceedingly high bar to begin with. I honestly thought that when Bentley took over the Jack Ryan Jr. series that the workload might possibly have a negative effect, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. The last Jr. book was substantially better than the previous couple, as well as this one. Don Bentley has now officially landed on my top five favorite fiction authors. The other four are Mark Greaney, Greg Hurwitz, Jack Carr, and Brad Thor. That is not bad company to be in.
July 15, 2022
Excellent! Love the action and storylines.👏 Humor helps a lot too!
July 9, 2022
It must be an interesting process to develop a character with skill, strength, and human weakness. In this latest delivery in the Matt Drake series, readers are treated to Drake balancing his abilities, limitations, and yet another need to save the world.
Bentley is a gifted writer with great talent in crafting stories that a reader would not want to put down. I especially enjoyed a couple of nice surprises close to the end of the book that were perfect and yet I didn't anticipate.
Bentley is a gifted writer with great talent in crafting stories that a reader would not want to put down. I especially enjoyed a couple of nice surprises close to the end of the book that were perfect and yet I didn't anticipate.
July 12, 2022
Don delivers with this Matthew Drake thriller! I can’t get enough of Matt’s escapades because you know Frodo won’t be too far out of the scene. Guaranteed action, great plot and the supporting cast is superb!
May 28, 2022
Barely rates 3 Stars as, in my opinion, it is not as good as his previous “spy/thriller” novels. Some good, exciting moments but just didn’t do it for me.
June 21, 2022
Don Bentley's Matt Drake is once again saving the world in Hostile Intent. He does it with humor, loyalty, and honor. Matt is someone I would definitely want in my corner if I need help or rescuing. Within the first few chapters I looked and my husband and told him I'm pretty sure Don Bentley is part fortune teller. The story he weaved predicted the headlines of the papers regarding the Ukraine invasion over the last few months. It's almost kind of scary how closely his story resembles true life.
Don is a masterful story teller. I remember thinking after reading his first book this guy is going to go far. Each time I think his books can't get any better, he writes a new one to prove me wrong. Each book is a 5 star book and I recommend them to anyone who asks for a recommendation of a new author.
Here's to many more Matt Drake stories.
Don is a masterful story teller. I remember thinking after reading his first book this guy is going to go far. Each time I think his books can't get any better, he writes a new one to prove me wrong. Each book is a 5 star book and I recommend them to anyone who asks for a recommendation of a new author.
Here's to many more Matt Drake stories.
June 10, 2022
I have been a fan of author Don Bentley since the beginning. The Matt Drake series is a good as it gets. Hostile Intent is, in my opinion, the best of the 3 book series. There are so many Easter eggs sprinkled throughout (I pointed one out on twitter and was instructed by Matt Drake's former football coach to drop and give him twenty) the book. Hostile Intent is funny, intense and realistic. It makes you wonder how authors know what is going to happen in the future - no spoiler here but if you've read, you know. Matt Drakes evolution from the first book, Without Sanction, is very noticeable. I am excited to see how Matt continues to grow.
In my final statement - we NEDD MORE Matt and Frodo!!
In my final statement - we NEDD MORE Matt and Frodo!!
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