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Treadstone #2
Robert Ludlum's The Treadstone Exile
Former Treadstone Operative Adam Hayes finds himself at the center of a web of warring factions and high-level secrets in the second novel in the Treadstone series, the newest addition to the Robert Ludlum universe.
After the revival of Operation Treadstone, former agent Adam Hayes has retreated to Africa, determined to leave the black-ops CIA program behind for good. As a former Treadstone operative, Hayes knows just how destructive the program can be, as it turns government agents into nearly superhuman assassins. But his quiet life in Africa changes irrevocably when, while attempting to complete a charitable mission in Burkina Faso, Hayes is attacked by extremists. Forced to make an unexpected landing, his plane is damaged and he is left in a hornet's nest of trouble.
In order to get back in the air, Hayes agrees to transport a passenger—Zoe Cabot, the daughter of a tech baron—to a small coastal city. But just after Hayes completes his flight, Zoe is kidnapped. During his search for Zoe, Hayes runs afoul of multiple enemies, including a rogue Treadstone operative, all of whom are searching for him—and for the information about a wire transfer of millions of dollars bound for the relief effort in Burkina Faso.
In an action-packed, twisty showdown, Hayes must outrun the factions that are hunting him, and prevent the theft of the much-needed millions from one of Africa's poorest nations.
After the revival of Operation Treadstone, former agent Adam Hayes has retreated to Africa, determined to leave the black-ops CIA program behind for good. As a former Treadstone operative, Hayes knows just how destructive the program can be, as it turns government agents into nearly superhuman assassins. But his quiet life in Africa changes irrevocably when, while attempting to complete a charitable mission in Burkina Faso, Hayes is attacked by extremists. Forced to make an unexpected landing, his plane is damaged and he is left in a hornet's nest of trouble.
In order to get back in the air, Hayes agrees to transport a passenger—Zoe Cabot, the daughter of a tech baron—to a small coastal city. But just after Hayes completes his flight, Zoe is kidnapped. During his search for Zoe, Hayes runs afoul of multiple enemies, including a rogue Treadstone operative, all of whom are searching for him—and for the information about a wire transfer of millions of dollars bound for the relief effort in Burkina Faso.
In an action-packed, twisty showdown, Hayes must outrun the factions that are hunting him, and prevent the theft of the much-needed millions from one of Africa's poorest nations.
448 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2021
479 people are currently reading
1096 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Hood
24 books424 followersJoshua Hood graduated from the University of Memphis before joining the 82nd Airborne Division. During his five years in the Infantry, he conducted combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
After getting out of the Army, he returned to Memphis TN and spent nine years on SWAT.
He is now a full time writer and proud father of two in Collierville, TN.
After getting out of the Army, he returned to Memphis TN and spent nine years on SWAT.
He is now a full time writer and proud father of two in Collierville, TN.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
June 25, 2021
I am a purist by heart, which has caused me some grief over the years as I read. While I understand that some authors have created a wonderful series and then something happens to them, it is rare to find another writer who can pick up the reins and do just as wonderful a job with a strong foundation. Thankfully, Joshua Hood is one of those, though he is creating his own Treadstone series based on previous novels by the esteemed Robert Ludlum. In this sequel, Hood explores more in the world of Operation: Treadstone and how one man’s past working within it could be his downfall. Adam Hayes wants nothing to do with his past, when he was part of a CIA program meant to create superhuman assassins. His work for a charity organisation in Africa is derailed when his plane lands in the middle of a warlord’s territory. In order to free himself and get back to his young family, Hayes will have to tap into the past he swore to shelve and protect a few people around him, all while remaining stealthy. A jam-packed piece that kept me interested throughout, proving the Joshua Hood is the real deal and Ludlum would likely be proud of his efforts.
Adam Hayes remembers well the days of Operation: Treadstone, the black-ops CIA plan to turn agents into ruthless assassins. However, those days are over for him and now all he wants to do is help those in need. His current work includes a charity in Burkina Faso, which has him flying around Africa as needed. During one of those missions, Hayes finds himself with some plane trouble after being attacked and is forced to land.
As Hayes tries to secure parts for the plane, he encounters Zoe Cabot, daughter to a tech baron who is both enticing and friendly. Hayes is committed to his wife, but cannot help wanting to come to the aid of a damsel in distress. When Cabot is kidnapped by a local warlord, Hayes is thrust into action to help her, even if it will delay his charitable venture.
While Hayes is on the hunt for Cabot, some learn that he is in possession of millions of dollars for the charity, making him a new target. Hayes will have to use his skills and try not to tip his hand at that which he is truly capable, for fear that it could cause massive bloodshed.
Back in Washington, the Intelligence community is eager to get Treadstone back on track, even if doing so could spell disaster without someone strong at the reins. Rogue agents have been a problem in the past and this could easily occur again, given the right mix of aggression and determination.
While Hayes races to find the captive Cabot, he’s also forced to dodge those who see him as even greater prey, with money and stealth that could be useful to them. Africa is surely much different than rural America, where blood and violence supersede all else. Hayes will have to do whatever he can to overcome it all and remain alive to end the mission. Another great addition to this new series, which has wonderful potential in the hands of Joshua Hood.
As I said above, I am always leery about letting others take over the work (or ideas) of an established author. I have seen too many disappointments in my time to want to stick my neck out and try. However, when I have Joshua Hood the chance last year, I was impressed with his Treadstone piece and sought out this sequel to see if things could remain at the same caliber. They have and I am impressed, hoping those who love rogue espionage thrillers will take note and give this series a try as well.
Adam Hayes is a decent protagonist, giving a strong backstory and some wonderful character development. With a past as a ruthless agent, Hayes wants to offer his services through charity. There’s something to be said for his determination, as he will put himself and a great deal of money on the line to help others. While in Africa, Hayes will have to adapt to new customs and ideas, all while trying to keep his cool and remain in check, so as not to cause a massive dust up. Still, his is not about to take it all lying down, when honour is on the line.
Joshua Hood does well to create some flavour in the story with a strong cast of secondary characters. While I did not find myself connecting with many of them, there is a true sense of drawing Hayes out and showcasing his skills. I quite enjoyed that Hood steered away from some of the stereotypical villains (read: Islamic terrorists or Russians) and moved into something a little more unique, offering up something that has not been flogged to death. This aspect was quite intriguing and I hope to see more of it in future novels.
The story took a while to get going for me, though I was not bored per se. I am used to the action beginning in the opening pages, but Hood chose to slowly reveal things and pushed much of the impactful writing to the second half of the book. The reader is treated to a strong narrative that gains momentum as the story develops, with tense moments sure to keep them flipping pages well into the night, particularly in the African setting of ruthless warlords. With a mix of chapter lengths and cliffhanger moments, Hood pushes the reader to the brink in the most exciting manner. I can only wonder what else Treadstone has in store for readers and how the series will evolve.
Kudos, Mr. Hood, for another winner. I will have to keep my eye out for your work and see if I cannot find myself fully committed soon!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Adam Hayes remembers well the days of Operation: Treadstone, the black-ops CIA plan to turn agents into ruthless assassins. However, those days are over for him and now all he wants to do is help those in need. His current work includes a charity in Burkina Faso, which has him flying around Africa as needed. During one of those missions, Hayes finds himself with some plane trouble after being attacked and is forced to land.
As Hayes tries to secure parts for the plane, he encounters Zoe Cabot, daughter to a tech baron who is both enticing and friendly. Hayes is committed to his wife, but cannot help wanting to come to the aid of a damsel in distress. When Cabot is kidnapped by a local warlord, Hayes is thrust into action to help her, even if it will delay his charitable venture.
While Hayes is on the hunt for Cabot, some learn that he is in possession of millions of dollars for the charity, making him a new target. Hayes will have to use his skills and try not to tip his hand at that which he is truly capable, for fear that it could cause massive bloodshed.
Back in Washington, the Intelligence community is eager to get Treadstone back on track, even if doing so could spell disaster without someone strong at the reins. Rogue agents have been a problem in the past and this could easily occur again, given the right mix of aggression and determination.
While Hayes races to find the captive Cabot, he’s also forced to dodge those who see him as even greater prey, with money and stealth that could be useful to them. Africa is surely much different than rural America, where blood and violence supersede all else. Hayes will have to do whatever he can to overcome it all and remain alive to end the mission. Another great addition to this new series, which has wonderful potential in the hands of Joshua Hood.
As I said above, I am always leery about letting others take over the work (or ideas) of an established author. I have seen too many disappointments in my time to want to stick my neck out and try. However, when I have Joshua Hood the chance last year, I was impressed with his Treadstone piece and sought out this sequel to see if things could remain at the same caliber. They have and I am impressed, hoping those who love rogue espionage thrillers will take note and give this series a try as well.
Adam Hayes is a decent protagonist, giving a strong backstory and some wonderful character development. With a past as a ruthless agent, Hayes wants to offer his services through charity. There’s something to be said for his determination, as he will put himself and a great deal of money on the line to help others. While in Africa, Hayes will have to adapt to new customs and ideas, all while trying to keep his cool and remain in check, so as not to cause a massive dust up. Still, his is not about to take it all lying down, when honour is on the line.
Joshua Hood does well to create some flavour in the story with a strong cast of secondary characters. While I did not find myself connecting with many of them, there is a true sense of drawing Hayes out and showcasing his skills. I quite enjoyed that Hood steered away from some of the stereotypical villains (read: Islamic terrorists or Russians) and moved into something a little more unique, offering up something that has not been flogged to death. This aspect was quite intriguing and I hope to see more of it in future novels.
The story took a while to get going for me, though I was not bored per se. I am used to the action beginning in the opening pages, but Hood chose to slowly reveal things and pushed much of the impactful writing to the second half of the book. The reader is treated to a strong narrative that gains momentum as the story develops, with tense moments sure to keep them flipping pages well into the night, particularly in the African setting of ruthless warlords. With a mix of chapter lengths and cliffhanger moments, Hood pushes the reader to the brink in the most exciting manner. I can only wonder what else Treadstone has in store for readers and how the series will evolve.
Kudos, Mr. Hood, for another winner. I will have to keep my eye out for your work and see if I cannot find myself fully committed soon!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
February 20, 2021
ow! ow! I hate when the good guys get hurt. I know the former Treadstone agent, Adam Hayes is "super human", but damn this was intense!
Apparently, Hayes is another trouble magnet. In The Treadstone Exile, Hayes is in Africa laying low while working for a charitable group until he faces other shady hostiles. This is solid action!
Apparently, Hayes is another trouble magnet. In The Treadstone Exile, Hayes is in Africa laying low while working for a charitable group until he faces other shady hostiles. This is solid action!
February 4, 2021
The Treadstone Exile is the sophomore instalment in the Treadstone series, which is the newest addition to the Robert Ludlum universe. It follows former Treadstone Operative Adam Hayes as he finds himself at the center of a web of warring factions and high-level secrets. After the revival of Operation Treadstone, former agent Adam Hayes has retreated to Africa, determined to leave behind the black-ops CIA program behind for good. As a former Treadstone operative, Hayes knows just how destructive the program can be, as it turns government agents into nearly superhuman assassins. He is more than proud to say that he has now managed to refrain from killing for 152 days. But his quiet life in Africa changes irrevocably, when, while attempting to complete a charitable mission in Burkina Faso, Hayes is attacked by extremists. Forced to make an unexpected landing, his plane is damaged and he is left in a hornet's nest of trouble.
In order to get back in the air, Hayes agrees to transport a passenger--Zoe Cabot, the daughter of a tech baron--to a small coastal city. But just after Hayes completes his flight, Zoe is kidnapped. During his search for Zoe, Hayes funs afoul of multiple enemies, including a rogue Treadstone operative, all of whom are searching for him--and for the information about a wire transfer of millions of dollars bound for the relief effort in Burkina Faso. In an action-packed, twisty showdown, Hayes must outrun the factions that are hunting him, and prevent the theft of the much-needed millions from one of Africa's poorest nations. A fast-paced fun romp from one firefight to the next Hayes crosses paths with many enemies, wields a vast array of stunning weaponry - from the traditional to the technologically advanced and shows exactly he why he was chosen to be a CIA assassin with his calm and cool exterior even in the face of extreme danger. A wildly entertaining thrill ride. Highly recommended.
In order to get back in the air, Hayes agrees to transport a passenger--Zoe Cabot, the daughter of a tech baron--to a small coastal city. But just after Hayes completes his flight, Zoe is kidnapped. During his search for Zoe, Hayes funs afoul of multiple enemies, including a rogue Treadstone operative, all of whom are searching for him--and for the information about a wire transfer of millions of dollars bound for the relief effort in Burkina Faso. In an action-packed, twisty showdown, Hayes must outrun the factions that are hunting him, and prevent the theft of the much-needed millions from one of Africa's poorest nations. A fast-paced fun romp from one firefight to the next Hayes crosses paths with many enemies, wields a vast array of stunning weaponry - from the traditional to the technologically advanced and shows exactly he why he was chosen to be a CIA assassin with his calm and cool exterior even in the face of extreme danger. A wildly entertaining thrill ride. Highly recommended.
June 28, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
This book continues the USA Channel TV series Treadstone, which is based on some of the ideas from the Bourne movies, which were based on the books by Robert Ludlum.
The Bourne-ified agent is running around the world, trying not to kill any more people than he absolutely must, while stopping a scheme. Meanwhile, back in Washington, bureaucrats want the guy back, because, well, that's just what bureaucrats do.
Lots of action. Pretty exciting.
This book continues the USA Channel TV series Treadstone, which is based on some of the ideas from the Bourne movies, which were based on the books by Robert Ludlum.
The Bourne-ified agent is running around the world, trying not to kill any more people than he absolutely must, while stopping a scheme. Meanwhile, back in Washington, bureaucrats want the guy back, because, well, that's just what bureaucrats do.
Lots of action. Pretty exciting.
March 13, 2023
First the was Jason Bourne, next came Aaron Cross and now we have Adam Hayes, all enhanced human beings mostly created to become assassins with a reputation. All three have something in common created by Treadstone and fed up with them and being hunted by the men and organizations with the intent to kill them.
Adam Hayes is in hiding after killing the men responsible for killing his friend and then coming after him. Hayes killed a senator who was criminal and responsible for sending people to kill him.
Hayes is a pilot in Africa and trying to get antibiotics for doctors who are desperately are trying to save lives. He gets pulled into a kidnapping and wants to save a young girl. And he wades into a very volatile situation in which a terminator would think twice about.
This book is a fast and furious read, a truly military adventure in which at times the reader wonders if it is humanly possible to survive the action this book offers. Perhaps it requires a serious suspension of disbelieve like in the Daniel Craig 007 movies were he felt more like a Terminator than a secret agent. Hayes is a rogue agent going against some serious professionals and comes out of it scratched but alive every time.
This book is an one ongoing actionscene from the beginning to the end of the book. You do not get a chance to get bored because of the dialogues.
This is like popcorn nice to read while traveling from and to work, unless the public transport strikes.😇
If you like your books actionwise over the top this is the series for you. If you enjoyed the Bourne movies this is actionwise similar but with less characterization.
Adam Hayes is in hiding after killing the men responsible for killing his friend and then coming after him. Hayes killed a senator who was criminal and responsible for sending people to kill him.
Hayes is a pilot in Africa and trying to get antibiotics for doctors who are desperately are trying to save lives. He gets pulled into a kidnapping and wants to save a young girl. And he wades into a very volatile situation in which a terminator would think twice about.
This book is a fast and furious read, a truly military adventure in which at times the reader wonders if it is humanly possible to survive the action this book offers. Perhaps it requires a serious suspension of disbelieve like in the Daniel Craig 007 movies were he felt more like a Terminator than a secret agent. Hayes is a rogue agent going against some serious professionals and comes out of it scratched but alive every time.
This book is an one ongoing actionscene from the beginning to the end of the book. You do not get a chance to get bored because of the dialogues.
This is like popcorn nice to read while traveling from and to work, unless the public transport strikes.😇
If you like your books actionwise over the top this is the series for you. If you enjoyed the Bourne movies this is actionwise similar but with less characterization.
February 9, 2021
Excellent second addition in what is fast becoming one of my favorite series, which easily has the potential to match Mark Greaney's Gray Man. After the events of the previous book, Treadstone agent Adam Hayes is living off the grid in Africa and trying hard to not be an assassin when he inadvertently becomes caught up in an international scheme and becomes the target of his former organization.
Joshua Hood has basically carved out his own little niche under the Ludlum banner, writing intense, modern spy action novels with all the Ludlum-esque elements of conspiracies, double crosses, rogue agents, and duplicitous government bureaucrats. The action scenes are wonderfully brutal. The locations, including a Spanish city on the African continent, are original, and Hayes encounters a large cast of colorful, duplicitous, and seedy characters across the Ivory Coast to Angola.
Also, the amount of world building Hood has done so far in these books also leaves ample potential for future stories.
Joshua Hood has basically carved out his own little niche under the Ludlum banner, writing intense, modern spy action novels with all the Ludlum-esque elements of conspiracies, double crosses, rogue agents, and duplicitous government bureaucrats. The action scenes are wonderfully brutal. The locations, including a Spanish city on the African continent, are original, and Hayes encounters a large cast of colorful, duplicitous, and seedy characters across the Ivory Coast to Angola.
Also, the amount of world building Hood has done so far in these books also leaves ample potential for future stories.
January 23, 2021
I have read The Treadstone Exile by Joshua Hood, it's the second book in the series about Adam Hayes. The base for this series is Robert Ludlums masterpiece about Jason Bourne that I read in the early eighties. I have been a fan of Bourne ever since. I understand the troubles Hood had in how to go about this topic but he sure solved it. This one may not have the same speed starting out as the first one but boy does it pick up. I strongly recommend this series. I also must thank #GPPutnamsSons , #PenguinPublishingGroup and #Edelweiss for giving me this arc.
March 15, 2021
"In TREADSTONE EXILE, Josh Hood takes his writing to an entirely new level. The perfecting of craft is brilliant. He blends his well-known technical expertise with a gripping style and word choice reminiscent of the series namesake himself. And with his second TREADSTONR novel, Josh cements his earned place in the iconic series." - Mike Houtz, The Crew Reviews
Watch the interview: https://youtu.be/r3z5JZeJPGc
Watch the interview: https://youtu.be/r3z5JZeJPGc
February 5, 2021
I’m a big Jason Bourne fan and this series really capture the Bourne mood and atmosphere perfectly. I loved the first book and this book really met my high expectations. It fast paced with a lot of action. Adam Hayes is such an interesting character and I can’t wait to read more about him. Highly recommend this book and series.
June 6, 2021
Hood kicks ass – 4.5 stars
This author surely knows how to write bloody realistic action. The great pacing and fun characters make this a rock-solid read. My only minor complaint is that the main story could have been a bit more fleshed out, especially regarding the final twist. Nevertheless action thriller fans better don`t miss this one!
This author surely knows how to write bloody realistic action. The great pacing and fun characters make this a rock-solid read. My only minor complaint is that the main story could have been a bit more fleshed out, especially regarding the final twist. Nevertheless action thriller fans better don`t miss this one!
March 16, 2021
I just read the latest Jason Borne thriller in Feb. Now I follow that up the 2nd Thread stone novel. I like this series and I am collecting it in hardback. Guess I need to try the Thread stone TV series next. This Adam character is one resourceful and tough character. Would it be too much to ask to have Adam and Jason in the same book?
March 25, 2024
Book Review - The Treadstone Exile - Joshua Hood
Joshua Hood has basically carved out his own little niche under the Robert Ludlum Treadstone series, writing intense, modern spy-craft action novels with all the Ludlum-esque elements of conspiracies, double crosses, rogue agents, and deceitful government bureaucrats. The action scenes are brutally violent and the dialogue is expertly written with some well placed humor. The locations, including a Spanish city on the African continent, are original, but different and Adam Hayes, the protagonist, encounters a large cast of colorful, double-dealing, and seedy characters across the Ivory Coast to Angola. The fast pace of the book kept me on my toes and Hood’s sense of humor was on point and extremely funny. The story went in a different direction than I expected, thus making it intriguing and exciting to read. I also loved the shout out to “The Gray Man.” Well played Josh Hood, that was an awesome surprise! I couldn’t get enough of this book. It is well written and left me wanting to read the next installment as soon as it is released. Hood’s writing pulls you in and you can’t put it down. Definitely moving the next one up in my reading list if there is another one. Awesome job Josh! Absolutely loved it!
Joshua Hood has basically carved out his own little niche under the Robert Ludlum Treadstone series, writing intense, modern spy-craft action novels with all the Ludlum-esque elements of conspiracies, double crosses, rogue agents, and deceitful government bureaucrats. The action scenes are brutally violent and the dialogue is expertly written with some well placed humor. The locations, including a Spanish city on the African continent, are original, but different and Adam Hayes, the protagonist, encounters a large cast of colorful, double-dealing, and seedy characters across the Ivory Coast to Angola. The fast pace of the book kept me on my toes and Hood’s sense of humor was on point and extremely funny. The story went in a different direction than I expected, thus making it intriguing and exciting to read. I also loved the shout out to “The Gray Man.” Well played Josh Hood, that was an awesome surprise! I couldn’t get enough of this book. It is well written and left me wanting to read the next installment as soon as it is released. Hood’s writing pulls you in and you can’t put it down. Definitely moving the next one up in my reading list if there is another one. Awesome job Josh! Absolutely loved it!
March 8, 2021
Hello gang, his name is Adam Hayes and he is an alcoholic. Wait. He is an assassin. Or better, was an assassin. Adam Hayes has a thing about being kill free for five months; like AA, but different. And in an instant, back to the old ways, as Hayes is the type of dude that packs a backpack with things that either go bang or boom. While you're rooting around in a pink cardboard donut box trying to get the last sprinkle pastry before the former CIA assassin gets his bloodied paws on it, things like Green Beret, Afghanistan, apex predator etc etc is getting mentioned before Chapter 2 is said and done - in true fashion of the genre.
That out of the way, get your boarding pass for a trip to the world of Treadstone, the CIA's Special Access Program that plucks people (with potential) out of the anonymity of various military branches and turns them into government-sanctioned assassins. Fans of Ludlum's three legendary Jason Bourne novels (and insidious offspring series of books penned by the amazing Eric V. Lustbader plus the rolling-pinned ersatz action yarn that was the movie series starring Matt Damon & later Jeremy Renner) will probably not recognize any of this, but TREADSTONE (2019) the TV series is a thing. As such, it does relate to the Bourne universe and like most male dominated professions, it has an overabundance of assholes; alpha males with testosterone-inflated egos and quick trigger fingers. Above all else, Josh Hood understands his peers and his audience; with fantastical action sequences that seem like CRANK (2006) on crank, he certainly ups the action ante and moves the franchise and genre ahead. Faster than you can say knife-fight on the helipad another sucker drops dead at the hands of Adam Hayes and there goes the five months medallion. The most lethal asset in the arsenal of the US government is off the wagon.
From thence, it certainly doesn't feel that Hayes is without wheels, as the story moves at lightning pace. Along the way there are treats in the form of quotes from UNFORGIVEN (1992), GET SHORTY (1995), RAMBO III (1988), ERASER (1996), and shout-outs to BLOOD DIAMOND (2006), PULP FICTION (1994), FIRST BLOOD (1982), and Mark Greaney's Gray Man novels, which seem to pop up all over the place lately. THE TREADSTONE EXILE shines when Josh Hood grants access to Hayes's mind and the interesting internal conversations he has with himself as well as the snarky retorts he thinks but never utters. This is only topped by a funny moment during an interrogation in Chapter 24 that is absolutely hilarious. It would appear counterintuitive, but it isn't, not nearly as bad as the head of the number one smuggling ring of the North Atlantic reading an honest-to-God paper copy of Le Monde in the middle of nowhere in 2020. Or perhaps the protagonist being (retired, in Europe and) in the possession of an STI Staccato XC, a custom $4,500 9mm 1911 frame pistol that is designed for competitive target shooting. The pistol plays a recurring (comedic?) part and pops up as often as some favored metaphors (like a howitzer, a cat running over water, and clothes clinging like Seran Wrap). Wouldn't a CIA asset in Europe have something disposable, untraceable for self-defense or work purposes, something along the lines that the (Spanish) Guarda Civil or Policia would use? If that doesn't bake your noodle and you are challenged with "Are you Treadstone?" you are ready to say "Je suis Treadstone".
Even without the benefit of the preceding THE TREADSTONE RESURRECTION (2019), also by Joshua Hood, THE TREADSTONE EXILE works really well. A fast, hard, and relentless yarn about a CIA asset operating in Europe that does the Robert Ludlum Bourne books justice. The action is stunning, rough, and will leave you catching your breath, digesting what happened and where you're headed next. If nothing else, you know, that you are coming out of THE TREADSTONE EXILE for good.
August 4, 2021
Good, fast read. Interesting storyline, even if the protagonist is a little too over-inflated (he makes the Batman look like a hack)... This is book 2 in the series, so I'll have to go back and look for number one; its entertaining enough give it another try. Closer to a 3 1/2 star read.
September 20, 2024
Thanks to Edelweiss+, G.P. Putnam's Sons and the author Joshua Hood for an advance ARC for my honest review and I also purchased it from amazon.com.
It was the late author Bill Crider, with his 'Outrage at Blanco' novel that made me love revenge stories so much and in away revenge stories for me will always be a tribute to him.
What a read, the Treadstone Exile (Treadstone #2) is my favorite read so far in 2021, definitely my type of book, fast paced, action packed, full of twist and turns, tension filled, both good and nasty characters and builds to a great conclusion.
The author doesn't miss a beat with a multi-storylines that are intertwining, that easily could be ripped right out of the headlines, the setting Africa is both fascinating and interesting.
I will say that Adam Hayes is a likable character, he lost his family due to his service, although he still calls his wife, he's damaged, wants to get out and is tough as nails. While Jason Bourne, does come to mind due to the Treadstone 71 references but 'The Treadstone Exile' stands on it's own and author Joshua Hood's writing is brilliant.
Not to give anything way, felt like Charli easily could have had a bigger role in this one than she did, been Hayes secret weapon and Zoe woooo didn't see that coming.
If you haven't discovered the author Joshua Hood yet, definitely give him a try, will keep reading anything he writes, highly recommend this one and sure he has a legend smilin' down on him.
It was the late author Bill Crider, with his 'Outrage at Blanco' novel that made me love revenge stories so much and in away revenge stories for me will always be a tribute to him.
What a read, the Treadstone Exile (Treadstone #2) is my favorite read so far in 2021, definitely my type of book, fast paced, action packed, full of twist and turns, tension filled, both good and nasty characters and builds to a great conclusion.
The author doesn't miss a beat with a multi-storylines that are intertwining, that easily could be ripped right out of the headlines, the setting Africa is both fascinating and interesting.
I will say that Adam Hayes is a likable character, he lost his family due to his service, although he still calls his wife, he's damaged, wants to get out and is tough as nails. While Jason Bourne, does come to mind due to the Treadstone 71 references but 'The Treadstone Exile' stands on it's own and author Joshua Hood's writing is brilliant.
Not to give anything way, felt like Charli easily could have had a bigger role in this one than she did, been Hayes secret weapon and Zoe woooo didn't see that coming.
If you haven't discovered the author Joshua Hood yet, definitely give him a try, will keep reading anything he writes, highly recommend this one and sure he has a legend smilin' down on him.
February 18, 2022
Robert Ludlum, and the The Bourne Identity, was one of the first novels I ever read - outside of a classroom environment (circa 1981 or 1982). As such, I have always had an affinity for his novels. Thus, when I was on a business trip recently, I picked this book up in an airport bookstore, as it was the only one that initially caught my eye (I had a very short time to peruse as I was quickly going to be boarding my flight). Needless to say, as you can see by my rating, I was not overjoyed with the book. Joshua Hood was a bit all over the place with the plot line, and was a bit too graphic with his word choice. I found myself skipping some parts to get through it.
September 1, 2021
Another rendition overworking the basic Bourne plot line. If the CIA spend this much time and effort pursuing their own, is it any wonder they are so rubbish at their primary role leading to debacles like the withdrawal from Afghanistan
May 10, 2021
The Treadstone Exile
Former treadstone operative Adam Hayes, a highly trained government assassin wants out of the game. Others in this ultra covert group want him dead. He's aged and in his profession considered old. That said his will to survive coupled with his training wins over the highly trained assassins after him. Non stop action from the first to last page. Enjoyed immensely!!
Former treadstone operative Adam Hayes, a highly trained government assassin wants out of the game. Others in this ultra covert group want him dead. He's aged and in his profession considered old. That said his will to survive coupled with his training wins over the highly trained assassins after him. Non stop action from the first to last page. Enjoyed immensely!!
April 9, 2022
This gruesome, twisted, and turbo-charged book is a perfect read for fans of weaponized, hardcore, brutally gritty action thrillers. Joshua Hood knows exactly what fans of this genre want and delivers in spades. Sure, this isn’t a book for classic Ludlum fans, but it’s set in the same universe and is just as messed up. Adam Hayes, the hero, or more likely the antihero of Hood’s Treadstone series, is a damaged, recovering assassin, who’s more fun than Bourne in a darkly devious way. While he may not be as smart as the popular amnesiac assassin, he’s probably way more dangerous in his gun-toting badass fashion.
Adam Hayes is counting his days spent not killing anyone, much like a recovering alcoholic counting his days of sobriety, while on the run from his former masters at Treadstone after he killed a corrupt Senator at the end of the first book. But the streak doesn’t last long, as Hayes is thrust into chaos and mayhem in this twisted plot that’s not as simple as the first book. With a plot that’s got the Ludlum-esque brand of conspiracy, mystery, and twists on a large scale, it keeps the reader in the dark about what exactly is happening at a macro level for the most part, while the chaos on the side of our anti-hero is mostly about his own survival and his innate need to do the right thing in a series of unfortunate events leading to him being duped multiple times and coming out barely alive in a weaponized blaze of bloody glory.
The conspiracy within The Treadstone Exile involves a French tech billionaire, Andre Cabot, who’s made a lot of enemies in his thirst for power and is desperate to save whatever’s left of his grand plans. On the other side is Levi Shaw, the director of Treadstone, who’s taking a lot of heat from politicians and the CIA for his mismanagement of Treadstone super-assassin Adam Hayes. When Levi’s own life gets targeted on the streets of Washington D.C., he’s using all his cunning and connections to keep himself and Treadstone alive. On the African side, at the Ivory Coast, Cabot’s daughter gets kidnapped while she’s being transported by Hayes, which thrusts the former assassin into a conspiracy of power and wealth and a twisted family drama where nothing is what it seems. The plot is complicated and the twists aren’t predictable and the action soars in a gruesome, bullet-ridden, rampage where almost every character is in it for themselves, maybe except Hayes, whose good heart leaves him used like a puppet at times.
Unlike other fictional super assassins, Adam Hayes is a character who’s married and has a son, and tries his best to balance the different parts of his personality to get better and reunite with his family. This element of his character makes him stand out in the genre, but his twisted, psychotic, blood-thirsty killer personality designed at Treadstone is darkly awesome throughout the violent thrill ride. Hayes starts the story as a smuggler, using his piloting skills in the criminal underground to make a living that doesn’t involve killing, but ends up being a one-man army going on rampaging, amazingly orchestrated, highly weaponized, killing sprees on too many mercenaries, militants, assassins, and other scumbags. Though Hayes is far from an outright hero, he’s a sympathetic character who is too good at a high cost for himself and I couldn’t help but cheer for him while he mows down hostiles in a style that’s more badass than any movie in our era.
Hood’s writing style is sharp and loaded with memorable one-liners that are as badass as his twisted hero. There’s even a reference to The Gray Man series by Mark Greaney, but what comes immediately afterward in that scene is too dark and twisted in a diabolical way that perfectly displays the evil in Cabot. The dark comedy in this thriller is some of the best in this genre, as it’s brilliant, messed up, and too fun in a devious way. Obviously not for the faint-hearted, The Treadstone Exile is turbo murder at its finest, perfect for fans of old-fashioned men’s action thrillers, but set in the modern-day world. This book continues in setting up a larger story arc involving Levi Shaw and Adam Hayes, and that’s got me excited for the next book in the series, The Treadstone Transgression, which is set to release early in 2022. I liked how the book almost completely ignores the divisive real-world politics and sticks to telling the story about the fictional conspiracy and puts the action as its main priority. Like devouring a spicy taco with many cheesy toppings and not regretting the diarrhea that follows, action thrillers like these are good for the heart in an entertaining, escapist manner. Fans of rampaging, weaponized, fast and brutal, action thrillers will be glorying this series for years to come as it’s one of the best in this subgenre in recent times.
For more long-form book reviews, check out - www.kronosananthsimha.com/book-blog/
Adam Hayes is counting his days spent not killing anyone, much like a recovering alcoholic counting his days of sobriety, while on the run from his former masters at Treadstone after he killed a corrupt Senator at the end of the first book. But the streak doesn’t last long, as Hayes is thrust into chaos and mayhem in this twisted plot that’s not as simple as the first book. With a plot that’s got the Ludlum-esque brand of conspiracy, mystery, and twists on a large scale, it keeps the reader in the dark about what exactly is happening at a macro level for the most part, while the chaos on the side of our anti-hero is mostly about his own survival and his innate need to do the right thing in a series of unfortunate events leading to him being duped multiple times and coming out barely alive in a weaponized blaze of bloody glory.
The conspiracy within The Treadstone Exile involves a French tech billionaire, Andre Cabot, who’s made a lot of enemies in his thirst for power and is desperate to save whatever’s left of his grand plans. On the other side is Levi Shaw, the director of Treadstone, who’s taking a lot of heat from politicians and the CIA for his mismanagement of Treadstone super-assassin Adam Hayes. When Levi’s own life gets targeted on the streets of Washington D.C., he’s using all his cunning and connections to keep himself and Treadstone alive. On the African side, at the Ivory Coast, Cabot’s daughter gets kidnapped while she’s being transported by Hayes, which thrusts the former assassin into a conspiracy of power and wealth and a twisted family drama where nothing is what it seems. The plot is complicated and the twists aren’t predictable and the action soars in a gruesome, bullet-ridden, rampage where almost every character is in it for themselves, maybe except Hayes, whose good heart leaves him used like a puppet at times.
Unlike other fictional super assassins, Adam Hayes is a character who’s married and has a son, and tries his best to balance the different parts of his personality to get better and reunite with his family. This element of his character makes him stand out in the genre, but his twisted, psychotic, blood-thirsty killer personality designed at Treadstone is darkly awesome throughout the violent thrill ride. Hayes starts the story as a smuggler, using his piloting skills in the criminal underground to make a living that doesn’t involve killing, but ends up being a one-man army going on rampaging, amazingly orchestrated, highly weaponized, killing sprees on too many mercenaries, militants, assassins, and other scumbags. Though Hayes is far from an outright hero, he’s a sympathetic character who is too good at a high cost for himself and I couldn’t help but cheer for him while he mows down hostiles in a style that’s more badass than any movie in our era.
Hood’s writing style is sharp and loaded with memorable one-liners that are as badass as his twisted hero. There’s even a reference to The Gray Man series by Mark Greaney, but what comes immediately afterward in that scene is too dark and twisted in a diabolical way that perfectly displays the evil in Cabot. The dark comedy in this thriller is some of the best in this genre, as it’s brilliant, messed up, and too fun in a devious way. Obviously not for the faint-hearted, The Treadstone Exile is turbo murder at its finest, perfect for fans of old-fashioned men’s action thrillers, but set in the modern-day world. This book continues in setting up a larger story arc involving Levi Shaw and Adam Hayes, and that’s got me excited for the next book in the series, The Treadstone Transgression, which is set to release early in 2022. I liked how the book almost completely ignores the divisive real-world politics and sticks to telling the story about the fictional conspiracy and puts the action as its main priority. Like devouring a spicy taco with many cheesy toppings and not regretting the diarrhea that follows, action thrillers like these are good for the heart in an entertaining, escapist manner. Fans of rampaging, weaponized, fast and brutal, action thrillers will be glorying this series for years to come as it’s one of the best in this subgenre in recent times.
For more long-form book reviews, check out - www.kronosananthsimha.com/book-blog/
February 18, 2021
Treadstone Exile is what you would expect from a Treadstone/Bourne type of story. No, that’s not correct.... Exiled exceeds other books in the series and truly raises the game. It’s the internal struggle of trying to be “normal” versus what you are conditioned to be. If you haven’t yet, jump in and keep moving.
June 19, 2020
The Treadstone Resurrection brings the reader back into the world of Jason Bourne (without Jason Bourne, of course), and we have a new hero, Adam Hayes, front and center this time around. I can't tell you how huge a fan I am of Jason Bourne, at least the orginal trilogy, but I am glad to see some new faces in this world. The action pretty much kicks it up in high gear right from the beginning and rarely lets the reader catch a breath throughout the entire book. And while I loved every minute of it, the element of suspense, that is he good or is he evil suspense that was in the first Jason Bourne book, was lacking a bit in this one.
Adam Hayes is a former operative for the Treadstone project, a highly secretive CIA project that was Bourne's former haunt, when his world is shattered when a hit team goes after him in the quiet neighbourhood he has chosen for his retirement, and his next egg. Having little information as to why this is happening, he is forced to rely on his instincts and his skills to escape and discover some answers. And this is where things get interesting. The book pretty much takes off from here and doesn't let up for a minute. I think I would have preferred just seeing things from Adam's POV rather than switching to different POVs as I really feel this was one of the things that lowered the suspense and gave too much away. One of the strengths of the earlier Jason Bourne books was not knowing if he was a good guy or a bad guy throughout the book, hoping for the best, but that suspense kept me up all night reading. Because we learn early on who the players are in this book, I really feel a lot of the suspense was lost.
I am definitely limited in my knowledge of guns and weapons (despite being married to a guy in the military as my eyes roll to the back of my head during these discussions), so I am one of those people who appreciated the descriptions of the weapons and how they were used. I liked knowing how the pilots sit in a helicopter versus a plane as I didn't know about these things, and I found it very informative. For readers who have this knowledge, they might find these parts a bit lengthy and annoying, but not me.
Adam himself is a great character and I really liked how he swings from psychologically confused to focused machine as needed. The constant psychological fight he has within him is interesting and I look forward to learning more about him. He is gritty, doing whatever it takes to fight for his life, and for others, but fights hard to not cross that path into being a killing machine. The flashbacks give a lot of insight into his character and I liked how the author used them to allow us to get to know him better.
What I have to admire in this book is the author's writing style as well as his "refusal" to just build on previous books. What he has done is take a concept, mold it, and create something new and different. What he has also done is lay a foundation that could lead to some very interesting times ahead for our hero. So while this book was solid, with a lot of action, it was also setting Adam up for some pretty interesting times ahead. Treadstone was at the point where it was going to be replaced with drones and other technological devices, with the director almost out of a job, and the author has pretty much thrown a curve ball into the whole Treadstone project and I am excited to see what is going to happen next in The Treadstone Exile.
http://curlingupbythefire.blogspot.co...
Adam Hayes is a former operative for the Treadstone project, a highly secretive CIA project that was Bourne's former haunt, when his world is shattered when a hit team goes after him in the quiet neighbourhood he has chosen for his retirement, and his next egg. Having little information as to why this is happening, he is forced to rely on his instincts and his skills to escape and discover some answers. And this is where things get interesting. The book pretty much takes off from here and doesn't let up for a minute. I think I would have preferred just seeing things from Adam's POV rather than switching to different POVs as I really feel this was one of the things that lowered the suspense and gave too much away. One of the strengths of the earlier Jason Bourne books was not knowing if he was a good guy or a bad guy throughout the book, hoping for the best, but that suspense kept me up all night reading. Because we learn early on who the players are in this book, I really feel a lot of the suspense was lost.
I am definitely limited in my knowledge of guns and weapons (despite being married to a guy in the military as my eyes roll to the back of my head during these discussions), so I am one of those people who appreciated the descriptions of the weapons and how they were used. I liked knowing how the pilots sit in a helicopter versus a plane as I didn't know about these things, and I found it very informative. For readers who have this knowledge, they might find these parts a bit lengthy and annoying, but not me.
Adam himself is a great character and I really liked how he swings from psychologically confused to focused machine as needed. The constant psychological fight he has within him is interesting and I look forward to learning more about him. He is gritty, doing whatever it takes to fight for his life, and for others, but fights hard to not cross that path into being a killing machine. The flashbacks give a lot of insight into his character and I liked how the author used them to allow us to get to know him better.
What I have to admire in this book is the author's writing style as well as his "refusal" to just build on previous books. What he has done is take a concept, mold it, and create something new and different. What he has also done is lay a foundation that could lead to some very interesting times ahead for our hero. So while this book was solid, with a lot of action, it was also setting Adam up for some pretty interesting times ahead. Treadstone was at the point where it was going to be replaced with drones and other technological devices, with the director almost out of a job, and the author has pretty much thrown a curve ball into the whole Treadstone project and I am excited to see what is going to happen next in The Treadstone Exile.
http://curlingupbythefire.blogspot.co...
January 14, 2024
#9 Reads more like a military thriller than a spy novel.
DNF. Not yet.
I really wanted to like this, but I couldn't.
It started off with a 5 and then gradually plummeted to 1.
It did start off good. It is a high-octane thriller no doubt about it. Page turner. Absolutely.
I got burned out from reading high-brow literature so I needed a good respite. And this one seemed to feed it.
"This type of entertainment should be illegal!"
I wrote down in a note whilst reading.
But then it increasingly started to read like a military fiction.
See, the thing about Bourne is intellect. In fact that is why Matt Damon - himself a smart engine- signed up for it. (Nevermind his last installment of the franchise was complete trash.) Espionage novels are more cerebral, nuanced and subtle.
This? No subtlety whatsoever.
Jason Bourne doesn't use grenades, 12-gauge shotgun etc. I did not sign up to read some cheesy Jack Reacher or James Bond or Tom Clancy thriller.
It seemed like the author self-inserted his own version of what this protagonist should be with rah-rah patriotism complete with the package of Adam Hayes' mawkish phonecall to his family. Heck there is even the shadow of 82nd Airborne slapped for Hayes.
Also Jason Bourne is not easily swayed by emotion talking about "shithole third world country".
Then I realized, it is not Jason Bourne but Adam Hayes. And I wanted to root for Adam Hayes.
Before I finish, some of my favorite parts:
-the mild lockpicking scene (I don't recall ever reading a lockpicking description in a fiction; it also made it realistic by saying how Hayes was out of touch; gold!)
-the sudden off-tangent musings about the study on olfactory receptors
-again another off-shoot detour about men's power of mind since 55BC in warfare
-every description of Hayes inner thoughts
-mention of “battered” attache… good realism!
-about the brief second when time stood still and Hayes took "everything in"
-language skills and photographic memory reference of both Hayes and Vlad
I realized it is an entirely different spin-off. Adam Hayes doesn't have to be stoic, emotionless, superhuman machine. He could very well be another of our servicemen or servicewomen who joined after 9/11.
He is a different human being.
Jason Bourne transcends petty politics and is not easily swayed by his perception of Africa. Jason Bourne is neutral.
Fine, if the author wants to create his own hero and series subtly self-inserting his viewpoints such as "rigged election"... that is absolutely fine. But please don't do it riding on the Jason Bourne bandwagon.
Or else this just ends up as ludicrous as the caricature of Jesus riding a horse with shotgun like a cowboy.
(Criticism of writing style: Not everything must be spelled out. Readers are intelligent. Not every step must be written. Some phrasings I just found weird such as how elevator "hissed".
Also watch out for corny dialogues as:
"And Vlad, next time you pull a knife on me, I will kill you."
"Hey kid, stop pointing guns at strangers.")
Referencing three times "shit hole third country which no one cares about" was cringe and enough to put me off. Clearly the author has his own personal biases. And I do not want to give the author any more of my time, money, and attention than he deserves.
Thus I don't think I will be looking forward to any of his writings in the future as eagerly I did this time driving 10 miles to Barnes&Noble to buy it last night.
Words learned: rheumy, untoward, drogue, sandragon tree, helo
DNF. Not yet.
I really wanted to like this, but I couldn't.
It started off with a 5 and then gradually plummeted to 1.
It did start off good. It is a high-octane thriller no doubt about it. Page turner. Absolutely.
I got burned out from reading high-brow literature so I needed a good respite. And this one seemed to feed it.
"This type of entertainment should be illegal!"
I wrote down in a note whilst reading.
But then it increasingly started to read like a military fiction.
See, the thing about Bourne is intellect. In fact that is why Matt Damon - himself a smart engine- signed up for it. (Nevermind his last installment of the franchise was complete trash.) Espionage novels are more cerebral, nuanced and subtle.
This? No subtlety whatsoever.
Jason Bourne doesn't use grenades, 12-gauge shotgun etc. I did not sign up to read some cheesy Jack Reacher or James Bond or Tom Clancy thriller.
It seemed like the author self-inserted his own version of what this protagonist should be with rah-rah patriotism complete with the package of Adam Hayes' mawkish phonecall to his family. Heck there is even the shadow of 82nd Airborne slapped for Hayes.
Also Jason Bourne is not easily swayed by emotion talking about "shithole third world country".
Then I realized, it is not Jason Bourne but Adam Hayes. And I wanted to root for Adam Hayes.
Before I finish, some of my favorite parts:
-the mild lockpicking scene (I don't recall ever reading a lockpicking description in a fiction; it also made it realistic by saying how Hayes was out of touch; gold!)
-the sudden off-tangent musings about the study on olfactory receptors
-again another off-shoot detour about men's power of mind since 55BC in warfare
-every description of Hayes inner thoughts
-mention of “battered” attache… good realism!
-about the brief second when time stood still and Hayes took "everything in"
-language skills and photographic memory reference of both Hayes and Vlad
I realized it is an entirely different spin-off. Adam Hayes doesn't have to be stoic, emotionless, superhuman machine. He could very well be another of our servicemen or servicewomen who joined after 9/11.
He is a different human being.
Jason Bourne transcends petty politics and is not easily swayed by his perception of Africa. Jason Bourne is neutral.
Fine, if the author wants to create his own hero and series subtly self-inserting his viewpoints such as "rigged election"... that is absolutely fine. But please don't do it riding on the Jason Bourne bandwagon.
Or else this just ends up as ludicrous as the caricature of Jesus riding a horse with shotgun like a cowboy.
(Criticism of writing style: Not everything must be spelled out. Readers are intelligent. Not every step must be written. Some phrasings I just found weird such as how elevator "hissed".
Also watch out for corny dialogues as:
"And Vlad, next time you pull a knife on me, I will kill you."
"Hey kid, stop pointing guns at strangers.")
Referencing three times "shit hole third country which no one cares about" was cringe and enough to put me off. Clearly the author has his own personal biases. And I do not want to give the author any more of my time, money, and attention than he deserves.
Thus I don't think I will be looking forward to any of his writings in the future as eagerly I did this time driving 10 miles to Barnes&Noble to buy it last night.
Words learned: rheumy, untoward, drogue, sandragon tree, helo
July 17, 2023
As a marketer, I understand the attraction in rebooting the Bourne/Treadstone universe. The original books were ahead of their time. My history with Ludlom’s novels go back to my liberal arts degree at the University of Winnipeg in the 1980’s. I avoided my Plato reading and Apartheid discussion groups to consume The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supremacy in a private alcove in the library (the third in the series came post degree).
I also knocked back The Scarlatti Inheritance, The Rhineman Exchange, The Holcroft Covenant, and The Matarese Circle. As a result, I am not a fan of other authors taking up Ludlom’s pen. It is a cash grab.
Now, I did not read The Bourne Resurrection. It is the first in the reboot. It introduced the new Bourne who is Adam Hayes a US special forces veteran who entered an updated Treadstone program. In The Treadstone Exile. Tres predictable!
In The Treadstone Exile, I was struck by how cartoonish the adventures are depicted. The plot is more Indiana Jones in its action and locales. And Hayes is more Mitch Rapp than Jason Bourne.
I like my tough heroes believable. James Bond never was plausible. Bob Lee Swagger and Jack Reacher started cool but now stretch credibility. Same goes with Baldacci’s Oliver Stone. Clive Cussler was honest in his outrageous characters who could do everything and mostly underwater. If you want a wild hero, read Matthew Reilly’s Scarecrow.
Back to The Treadstone Exile. The biggest distraction is how this seems written as a screenplay. The chapters are scene cutaways. Certainly, one cannot complain about any lack of action. Bullets and punches fly on nearly every page. This means there is precious little intrigue. Maybe it is vying to be a video game.
As novel, it is lacking. The kidnapped girl plot comes in halfway through and then she disappears and is given no perspective. I almost gave up when one assassin was compared the The Gray Man which is meta but embarrassing and obvious. When that assassin eats a bullet of his own, reread the impossible scenario twice with growing bewilderment.
Implausible is now the norm in these novels. As The New York Times thriller critic stated on a recent podcast, that the formula for former special forces operatives going rogue or becoming super agents is so tired. No one person can have all the skills or luck. Take Hayes in this novel. He so easily sources weaponry in multiple parts of the world, his antiquated plane is fixed with parts from an old Canadian plane that has sat for decades in Africa. Most preposterous is the weird attachment to the kidnapped girl.
We need a break from this sub genre in print and onscreen. The recent reboot of Jack Ryan on Amazon Prime is case in point. John Krasinski is a solid actor but not believable in the show because of the material. When Jack Ryan debuted in the books, Clancy really played up the injuries he sustained in combat and that made him appealing and real. Since, he has become Jason Bourne with a foreign policy pedigree while Hayes is already Rambo.
I also knocked back The Scarlatti Inheritance, The Rhineman Exchange, The Holcroft Covenant, and The Matarese Circle. As a result, I am not a fan of other authors taking up Ludlom’s pen. It is a cash grab.
Now, I did not read The Bourne Resurrection. It is the first in the reboot. It introduced the new Bourne who is Adam Hayes a US special forces veteran who entered an updated Treadstone program. In The Treadstone Exile. Tres predictable!
In The Treadstone Exile, I was struck by how cartoonish the adventures are depicted. The plot is more Indiana Jones in its action and locales. And Hayes is more Mitch Rapp than Jason Bourne.
I like my tough heroes believable. James Bond never was plausible. Bob Lee Swagger and Jack Reacher started cool but now stretch credibility. Same goes with Baldacci’s Oliver Stone. Clive Cussler was honest in his outrageous characters who could do everything and mostly underwater. If you want a wild hero, read Matthew Reilly’s Scarecrow.
Back to The Treadstone Exile. The biggest distraction is how this seems written as a screenplay. The chapters are scene cutaways. Certainly, one cannot complain about any lack of action. Bullets and punches fly on nearly every page. This means there is precious little intrigue. Maybe it is vying to be a video game.
As novel, it is lacking. The kidnapped girl plot comes in halfway through and then she disappears and is given no perspective. I almost gave up when one assassin was compared the The Gray Man which is meta but embarrassing and obvious. When that assassin eats a bullet of his own, reread the impossible scenario twice with growing bewilderment.
Implausible is now the norm in these novels. As The New York Times thriller critic stated on a recent podcast, that the formula for former special forces operatives going rogue or becoming super agents is so tired. No one person can have all the skills or luck. Take Hayes in this novel. He so easily sources weaponry in multiple parts of the world, his antiquated plane is fixed with parts from an old Canadian plane that has sat for decades in Africa. Most preposterous is the weird attachment to the kidnapped girl.
We need a break from this sub genre in print and onscreen. The recent reboot of Jack Ryan on Amazon Prime is case in point. John Krasinski is a solid actor but not believable in the show because of the material. When Jack Ryan debuted in the books, Clancy really played up the injuries he sustained in combat and that made him appealing and real. Since, he has become Jason Bourne with a foreign policy pedigree while Hayes is already Rambo.
February 23, 2021
A rare winter storm in Memphis this week gave me time to read The Treadstone Exile. I enjoyed Joshua Hood’s Treadstone Resurrection and this second book lives up to the last! Adam Hayes is a character we’re rooting for throughout! I love that there’s some heart in his mission to help people (but of course some crazy evil schemes get in the way and he’s thrown into incredible scenarios to escape from!) The bad guys and double crossing surprises keep Adam running full speed. It’s definitely a thrill ride!
I enjoyed the location descriptions - great use of place and culture as a “character” (the random street thugs truly have no idea who they’re messing with!) LOL!
Hayes isn’t just a cold hearted assassin. He’s still human and his “flaw” as a tool for carrying out nearly impossible missions is caring (which then gets him into even more trouble!) He’s sometimes blindsided because he has a conscience and it’s used against him. I love that humanity in him because it makes us root for him even more.
As a Memphian, I like the references to Adams past and growing up in the South. There’s authenticity in his character I find interesting. I looked on Hood’s website and the blog describes some of his military experience in the 82nd airborne. When Adam Hayes remembers back to joining the Army and his scenes about dropping cargo from airplanes, or battle scenes, it comes from experiences and feelings that are the real deal. Joshua Hood’s action scenes are incredibly vivid and heart pounding!
I had *just* finished Gunmetal Gray (a Gray Man series book from Mark Greaney) before I read this, so I had to laugh when I read a reference to the Gray Man in this book! These authors are my favorites right now in the action spy thriller genre.
Do yourself a favor and read Hood’s first two books Warning Order and Clear by Fire. You can see why the Ludlum brand picked him to carry on the Treadstone tradition!
I’m looking forward to book 3 in this series! Adam Hayes always keeps us wanting to see what he does next!
I enjoyed the location descriptions - great use of place and culture as a “character” (the random street thugs truly have no idea who they’re messing with!) LOL!
Hayes isn’t just a cold hearted assassin. He’s still human and his “flaw” as a tool for carrying out nearly impossible missions is caring (which then gets him into even more trouble!) He’s sometimes blindsided because he has a conscience and it’s used against him. I love that humanity in him because it makes us root for him even more.
As a Memphian, I like the references to Adams past and growing up in the South. There’s authenticity in his character I find interesting. I looked on Hood’s website and the blog describes some of his military experience in the 82nd airborne. When Adam Hayes remembers back to joining the Army and his scenes about dropping cargo from airplanes, or battle scenes, it comes from experiences and feelings that are the real deal. Joshua Hood’s action scenes are incredibly vivid and heart pounding!
I had *just* finished Gunmetal Gray (a Gray Man series book from Mark Greaney) before I read this, so I had to laugh when I read a reference to the Gray Man in this book! These authors are my favorites right now in the action spy thriller genre.
Do yourself a favor and read Hood’s first two books Warning Order and Clear by Fire. You can see why the Ludlum brand picked him to carry on the Treadstone tradition!
I’m looking forward to book 3 in this series! Adam Hayes always keeps us wanting to see what he does next!
February 11, 2021
Action-packed Thriller
A stupendous action-packed thriller in the second of the Treadstone series. CIA backed Black ops agent Adam Hayes is determined to leave the program for good and is persona non grata in the US. He has since then moved to Africa and not killed anyone for more than five months. His quiet life is shattered and finds himself mired in the web of radical warring groups and a tech baron while on a charitable mission. As he attempts to get out of this shadowy world, he is further dragged into the quagmire, when the tech baron's daughter is kidnapped and a rogue treadstone operative is hunting to eliminate him. The conspiracy commences from the spanish city of Ceuta on the African coast to Essaquira in Morocco, then through Burkina Faso to Korhogo and Grand Bassam in Ivory Cost, and finally culminating in Luanda, Angola. The action sequences are truly brutal as Hayes has to play the cat and mouse game to save himself from his adversaries. The author has aptly used his immense knowledge in the type of weapons used, combat situations, and tactical response to hostile situations throughout the story while his protagonist is a character of impeccable discipline, well organized yet cool and calm during moments of peril. Hayes's character as a superhuman assassin is complemented by the second-person POV that tries to dissuade him to do what he is supposed to do reminding him of the promises made to his wife and child. Overall an accelerated engaging suspenser, and looking forward to more of such action-packed sequels.
A stupendous action-packed thriller in the second of the Treadstone series. CIA backed Black ops agent Adam Hayes is determined to leave the program for good and is persona non grata in the US. He has since then moved to Africa and not killed anyone for more than five months. His quiet life is shattered and finds himself mired in the web of radical warring groups and a tech baron while on a charitable mission. As he attempts to get out of this shadowy world, he is further dragged into the quagmire, when the tech baron's daughter is kidnapped and a rogue treadstone operative is hunting to eliminate him. The conspiracy commences from the spanish city of Ceuta on the African coast to Essaquira in Morocco, then through Burkina Faso to Korhogo and Grand Bassam in Ivory Cost, and finally culminating in Luanda, Angola. The action sequences are truly brutal as Hayes has to play the cat and mouse game to save himself from his adversaries. The author has aptly used his immense knowledge in the type of weapons used, combat situations, and tactical response to hostile situations throughout the story while his protagonist is a character of impeccable discipline, well organized yet cool and calm during moments of peril. Hayes's character as a superhuman assassin is complemented by the second-person POV that tries to dissuade him to do what he is supposed to do reminding him of the promises made to his wife and child. Overall an accelerated engaging suspenser, and looking forward to more of such action-packed sequels.
February 13, 2021
The second installment from Josh Hood in the Treadstone series which follows former Treadstone employee Adam Hayes. Adam has been exiled from the United States, and has turned up in Africa flying charitable runs to help the less fortunate in the country. When he comes under attack from insurgents, he is forced into taking on a passenger in order to get his plane fixed. This leads to a showdown with a shadowy CEO.
I didn’t think it was possible to stuff more action into a book than Mr. Hood did in the first installment of this series, Treadstone Resurrection, but he found a way with Treadstone Exile. I felt like Adam Hayes was in another battle or some extreme situation every other page. I really like the character of Adam Hayes too. Mr. Hood has started to develop him into a complex character that is torn between doing what is right even if he has to do bad things to accomplish it, and staying out of it for the betterment of him and his family. This was a borderline five star, but I ultimately decided to put it at for because I felt the plot was a little disjointed and lacking. The second half of the book came together much better than the first half. I’d probably mark it a 4.5 if there were half stars.
Overall this book is still a must read especially with the exhilarating actions scenes takes place constantly. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
I didn’t think it was possible to stuff more action into a book than Mr. Hood did in the first installment of this series, Treadstone Resurrection, but he found a way with Treadstone Exile. I felt like Adam Hayes was in another battle or some extreme situation every other page. I really like the character of Adam Hayes too. Mr. Hood has started to develop him into a complex character that is torn between doing what is right even if he has to do bad things to accomplish it, and staying out of it for the betterment of him and his family. This was a borderline five star, but I ultimately decided to put it at for because I felt the plot was a little disjointed and lacking. The second half of the book came together much better than the first half. I’d probably mark it a 4.5 if there were half stars.
Overall this book is still a must read especially with the exhilarating actions scenes takes place constantly. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
August 5, 2022
This was another book that I had downloaded from pdfduck.com. a great source for selecting a wide variety of novels and other books that have been uploaded to the internet.
I was a fan of Robert Ludlum and had read most of his novels by the time I was in my early twenties. I believe that I read a few of the Jason Bourne books that were produced by a slew of other authors upon Ludlum's demise. I came across this book and saw how some authors had decided to expand the Bourne universe to other agents of Treadstone.
This was the first book of Joshua Hood's interpretation of Treadstone (because apparently there are other authors continuing this storyline) and I must admit that I had really enjoyed it.
The story continues on from his previous Treadstone novel after his character has temporarily taken his vacancy from the agency, during which time other members of the "Alphabet Soup" of the intelligence structure are after Hayes to give a "black eye" to the current director of Treadstone by terminating with extreme prejudice.
This novel would easily be a favourite of any fan of Robert Ludlum (or really any action or adrenaline junkie). As such, I would easily give this book a solid five stars.
As with any of my literary ramblings or reviews, these are just my five cents worth.
I was a fan of Robert Ludlum and had read most of his novels by the time I was in my early twenties. I believe that I read a few of the Jason Bourne books that were produced by a slew of other authors upon Ludlum's demise. I came across this book and saw how some authors had decided to expand the Bourne universe to other agents of Treadstone.
This was the first book of Joshua Hood's interpretation of Treadstone (because apparently there are other authors continuing this storyline) and I must admit that I had really enjoyed it.
The story continues on from his previous Treadstone novel after his character has temporarily taken his vacancy from the agency, during which time other members of the "Alphabet Soup" of the intelligence structure are after Hayes to give a "black eye" to the current director of Treadstone by terminating with extreme prejudice.
This novel would easily be a favourite of any fan of Robert Ludlum (or really any action or adrenaline junkie). As such, I would easily give this book a solid five stars.
As with any of my literary ramblings or reviews, these are just my five cents worth.
February 5, 2022
This is the guy they picked to carry on Ludlum's legacy?
The author launches into some action, but the reader has no idea why Hayes is doing what he is doing. Only after the action is over does the author explain, like when Hayes went to get the medication from Luca. So that's why Hayes was stealing boats, killing people, and blowing things up! Now we know! And then we find out that he is volunteering to fly for an NGO. Combine this annoying habit with the endless flashbacks ("... it reminded Hayes of ..."), and I don't think the author can even tell a story in the proper order.
This book really doesn't follow a typical fictional plot diagram: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It's just an unending string of battles that finally stop.
Why does Hayes care about Zoe so much? He gave her a ride, and suddenly he risks his life to be her protector? Because they both had father issues? Her betraying him at the end makes him look foolish and undisciplined for a soldier.
Hayes is an invincible Superman, and the book is full of needless cruelty and unnecessary violence. Entire scenes were written just so Hayes could kill more people.
Needless to say, I won't be reading any more books in this series.
The author launches into some action, but the reader has no idea why Hayes is doing what he is doing. Only after the action is over does the author explain, like when Hayes went to get the medication from Luca. So that's why Hayes was stealing boats, killing people, and blowing things up! Now we know! And then we find out that he is volunteering to fly for an NGO. Combine this annoying habit with the endless flashbacks ("... it reminded Hayes of ..."), and I don't think the author can even tell a story in the proper order.
This book really doesn't follow a typical fictional plot diagram: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It's just an unending string of battles that finally stop.
Why does Hayes care about Zoe so much? He gave her a ride, and suddenly he risks his life to be her protector? Because they both had father issues? Her betraying him at the end makes him look foolish and undisciplined for a soldier.
Hayes is an invincible Superman, and the book is full of needless cruelty and unnecessary violence. Entire scenes were written just so Hayes could kill more people.
Needless to say, I won't be reading any more books in this series.
March 19, 2021
These books are a great tribute to Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne. Adam Hayes may possibly just be a bit better than Bourne however. He appears to be literally indestructible as well as just being someone you root for all the way through the books. I have to add here though that in this sequel I must give a shout out to his boss Shaw who is incredible as well.
In this second outing Adam has fled to Africa and is working as a pilot. He can't however avoid being the subject of not one manhunt but two and it appears that in Africa he has jumped from the frying pan to the fire.
The action is non stop and it keeps the reader breathless waiting to see what is going to happen next. What seems to be a routine trip escorting a young woman turns into a major disaster one step after the next. At the same time Adam is being hunted by his own people who want him dead. Nothing is what it seems here but then again it is Africa.
This book is great in print but in audio it is simply awesome and grips the reader even more.
Truly an enjoyable storyline full of suspense and some amazing characters. Looking forward to the next installment in the series.
In this second outing Adam has fled to Africa and is working as a pilot. He can't however avoid being the subject of not one manhunt but two and it appears that in Africa he has jumped from the frying pan to the fire.
The action is non stop and it keeps the reader breathless waiting to see what is going to happen next. What seems to be a routine trip escorting a young woman turns into a major disaster one step after the next. At the same time Adam is being hunted by his own people who want him dead. Nothing is what it seems here but then again it is Africa.
This book is great in print but in audio it is simply awesome and grips the reader even more.
Truly an enjoyable storyline full of suspense and some amazing characters. Looking forward to the next installment in the series.
May 7, 2021
After enjoying The Treadstone Resurrection (Treadstone #1) I just had to get The Treadstone Exile (Treadstone #2). It was good and I really liked it, but I did not find it to be as good as the first book.
Trying to leave his life as a Treastone operative and assassin behind, Adam Hayes is working as a pilot bringing medical supplies to endangered communities in Africa. But while performing a charitable mission, his aircraft is attacked by extremists. He is forced to make an emergency landing.
To get his plane airworthy and in the air again, Hayes agrees to transport a passenger. What should be a simple task does horribly wrong when she gets kidnapped. He is determined to get her back and mounts a one-man rescue but gets attacked from all sides. He figures out it is not an ordinary kidnapping, but he is no ordinary man.
There is a lot of shooting and explosions and blood.
If you read and liked The Treadstone Resurrection, you should like The Treadstone Exile. It must be read to the end to find out how it ends.
Like I said, it is enjoyable as Adam Hayes is a unique character. Just not quite up to the standard of The Treadstone Resurrection.
Trying to leave his life as a Treastone operative and assassin behind, Adam Hayes is working as a pilot bringing medical supplies to endangered communities in Africa. But while performing a charitable mission, his aircraft is attacked by extremists. He is forced to make an emergency landing.
To get his plane airworthy and in the air again, Hayes agrees to transport a passenger. What should be a simple task does horribly wrong when she gets kidnapped. He is determined to get her back and mounts a one-man rescue but gets attacked from all sides. He figures out it is not an ordinary kidnapping, but he is no ordinary man.
There is a lot of shooting and explosions and blood.
If you read and liked The Treadstone Resurrection, you should like The Treadstone Exile. It must be read to the end to find out how it ends.
Like I said, it is enjoyable as Adam Hayes is a unique character. Just not quite up to the standard of The Treadstone Resurrection.
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