Black Ice

Scot Harvath #20

by Brad Thor

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“[A]nother instant classic.” —The Real Book Spy
“The undisputed master of blending geopolitics with spycraft…a thriller aficionado’s dream.” —The Providence Journal

The new Cold War is about to go hot.

#1 New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Brad Thor is back with his most intense thriller yet.

Scot Harvath is having his best summer ever. With a cottage on the fjord, a boat, and his beautiful girlfriend Sølvi, he’s got everything he could possibly want. But out of vacation days and long overdue back home, America’s top spy has a decision to make—return or submit his resignation.

When his deadly past comes calling, though, he’ll be left with no choice at all.

Leaving his favorite Oslo café, Harvath watches as a ghost climbs out of a taxi—a man he killed years ago, halfway around the world. How is he still alive? And what is he doing in Norway?

In a race against time that will take him high above the Arctic Circle, Harvath is tested in ways he never could’ve imagined and pushed to a limit few human beings could ever endure.

If he succeeds, he’ll walk away with everything. If he fails, the United States and its allies will be at the mercy of one of the world’s most dangerous actors.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery, Spy Thriller, Suspense, Espionage

325 pages, Paperback

First published July 20, 2021

About the author

BRAD THOR is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-six thrillers, including COLD ZERO, EDGE OF HONOR, SHADOW OF DOUBT, BLACK ICE (ThrillerFix Best Thriller of the Year), NEAR DARK (one of Suspense Magazine’s Best Books of the Year), BACKLASH (nominated for the Barry Award for Best Thriller of the Year), SPYMASTER (“One of the all-time best thriller novels” —The Washington Times), THE LAST PATRIOT (nominated Best Thriller of the Year by the International Thriller Writers Association), and BLOWBACK (one of the “Top 100 Killer Thrillers of All Time” —NPR).

COLD ZERO is on sale now. For more information, visit BradThor.com.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐
Harvath is slipping. Okay, maybe not completely! A much improved from the previous, Near Dark. Black Ice has a plausible story, sleet and windy setting in Svalbard, Norway, and polar bears!

Scot Harvath is doing some R&R with his new gorgeous girlfriend Sølvi in Oslo. She's also in the intelligence business so they have that in common. Poor Sølvi, if the past is any indication she'll be around for a few books before there's another funeral. As for now, they're smitten and Harvath is planning a special evening. She's a fan of Belgian dark chocolate and Harvath is out and about looking for quality chocolates when he sees a ghost getting out of a cab. Harvath's sure he killed the man and stayed around to make sure of it. From here on out, he follows this man who eventually leads Harvath to Svalbard.

There are research stations at Ny-Ålesund, the world's Northernmost settlement. As the temperature continues to rise and ice melting, there is a race for precious minerals, oil, and gas in the Arctic Circle. Black Ice is a bit low on the action side, but has a good ending. In case you visit, what I learn from this book is that all doors are to be unlocked in case of a polar bear attack-anyone can seek shelter. ❄️🥶

[Jade Saul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scot Haravth and Solvi are vacationing in Oslo, Norway but it cut short he sees someone getting out of the taxi, I'm only on Chapter 3 but Brad Thor never fails to deliver a nonstop action book

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always a pleasure to read Brad Thor’s novels and what he’s done with his protagonist, Scot Harvath. There is never a lack of action or thrills woven into a story that has political implications. While Harvath has been pushed to the brink over the last few years, he’s come to find the solace he so desperately deserves. Spending time in Norway with a new romantic interest, Harvath is enjoying the quieter life as best he can. However, when he sees a man he was sure he’d killed, Harvath can only surmise that trouble is on the way. Little does he know just how heated things will get in Norway and the Arctic region before too long, thrusting him into the middle of an operation like no other. A riveting piece by a master of the genre!

Scot Harvath is finally able to spend some downtime, after a horrible few years. Tucking himself away in Norway with his girlfriend, Sølvi, Harvath is able to enjoy a vacation for once in his life. What could be better than this bucolic region of the world, with no cares to drag him back into the fight?

While out one day, Harvath cannot help but do a double take, as he sees a man he is sure was dead. What’s worse, this man is no ordinary individual, but a Chinese operative with a penchant for sinister things. Harvath will have to make a decision: ignore it and enjoy his life or alert the Americans and perhaps be thrust into the middle of a manhunt.

As the story progresses, Harvath agrees to work with some of his colleagues to determine what’s going on in Norway and how it an be halted. It would seem that the Arctic region has become part of a larger plan for both the Chinese and the Russians. Melting ice has left the region open for exploration, as well as hidden nuclear technologies. Wait too long and these two countries will have powers that cannot be stopped. Strike too soon and it could scare them away, only to re-emerge elsewhere. It will be a race against the clock, as Harvath works once again to protect the world from the powers of evil. Thor does a masterful job at keeping the story fresh and the reader fully engaged.

I have long come to enjoy the release of anything that includes Scot Harvath, as the entertainment value is usually quite high. This is no exception, mixing the grit of the man’s past with some of the softer sides to him, rarely seen in novels. That there is a new race and technological issue proves useful as well, allowing the reader to feel rejuvenated with something not seen before, rather than the same old thing once again.

Scot Harvath proves to be a wonderful protagonist yet again, pursuing things to the brink and keeping the reader on their toes. There are two sides to the man that emerge, something that series fans may not be used to seeing regularly. His softer side is sobering, though it is unfortunately short lived. Grit and determination fuel him throughout this piece, leaving the reader to see the man who has earned every one of his scars.

As with many of the novels in this series, there is a handful of key supporting characters whose presence only adds to the piece. Be it with needed banter or added grit, these individuals add depth to the story and keep Harvath on his toes. The obvious inclusion of a few nemeses for Harvath adds a darker side to things, though it is by no means troublesome. In fact, without them, the story would likely fall flat.

Brad Thor has proven to be adept at crafting these sorts of stories with ease, pushing the reader to the brink as the try to keep pace. The ideas are unique and separate themselves from many of the usual plots that emerge in stories of this nature, allowing the reader to wonder how much could actually occur in today’s world. With a narrative that pushes things along well and chapters that rarely leave time to breathe, Thor develops a story that is both intriguing and addictive. Those who enjoy espionage and counterintelligence novels will surely enjoy this piece, as well as the rest of the series. While we are twenty books in, the intensity has not lessened and there is always something for the reader to enjoy. I cannot wait to see what’s to come.

Kudos, Mr. Thor, on another winner. I am a true fan and reading to tell the world!

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/...

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fact is that Thor has written better stories than this, "Harvath on Vacation." 4 of 10 stars

[Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book a little less exciting than the rest. I am not sure if it was because it was my first audio book from this author… anyways just at 2.5 stars from me

[David Eppenstein · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I retired and was able to devote more time to reading for pleasure Brad Thor was one of the first authors to grab my attention. A good old fashion spy thriller with a protagonist name Scott Harvath. This wasn't great literature it was great fun. I started to follow Thor and he was the first author I started to collect. My Thor collection consists of signed first editions/first printings of all of his Scott Harvath series. I read Thor's books for fun and entertainment and over the course of our relationship I have had issues with some of his entries in the series and Thor seems to have altered course and return to what readers want from his books. So like with all relationships there have been ups and downs but in honesty I have to say that this series seems to have run its course and Brad needs to find a new outlet for his writing talent. I am giving this entry in the series 2.5 stars. It had a good plot and was well written and would have been a solid 3 star worth the price and time to read book but it has a serious flaw in my opinion.

The plot concerns the development of some technology by the Chinese that can cloak and defeat the radar detection systems of the Allies in the Arctic Ocean. With melting icecaps the polar seas are now becoming more available to ocean going commerce and military use and the Russians are very interested in buying this technology from the Chinese if it works. Harvath and company are sent to stop this test and retrieve this technology and this leads to the usual and expected adventure and action. What disappointed me and leads to my lower ranking is the depiction of graphic violence in this book. In parts of this books characters are subjected to torture, graphic torture, in order to extract important information. I have little doubt that in the real world such activity is probably engaged in. However, this is a book; a fiction, an entertainment for the general public. There are plenty of ways an author can convey the types of violent methods used in espionage without doing so graphically. Graphic violence has no more place in a fiction than graphic sex unless you are writing pornography. This is not entertainment; it is titillation and it is cheap and has very limited appeal except to a portion of the public that probably doesn't read much. If books carried a letter rating like the movies then I would say this one deserves at least a PG-13 but more probably an R. It's not a bad book but it should be read with caution and not by anybody opposed to violence.

[Jon · Rating 2 out of 5]

When you are 20 books into a series, there is a lot of grace because when you reacquaint yourself with the characters you remember back on the great adventures you have had with them. But this is two in a row now for 2 star installments. You won't get much more grace from me Mr. Thor.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

How this ended up in my library holds, much less on my Goodreads To-Read list, is a mystery to me. Serial spy thrillers are not my usual fare, certainly not starting with #20 in the series. But what the hell. I needed something completely different, an escape that only a counterterrorism operative former Navy SEAL, ex-Secret Service could provide.

America is in grave danger from a joint Chinese-Russian operation underway in the Arctic Circle. I'm not even all that sure what the operation is about- something to do with submarines and icebreaker ships and radars and satellite devices in reinforced suitcases buried in tunnels in the Svalbard archipelago north of Norway's mainland. Super special agent Scot Harvath, hero of this long-running series, just happens to be hanging out in Norway for the summer with his girlfriend, Sølvi —a former member of an all-female Special Forces team turned Deputy Director at the Norwegian Intelligence Service. So that's fortunate for everyone. On a random shopping trip in Oslo searching for the perfect brisket, Scot recognizes a Chinese spy he thought he'd killed already and we're off to the races.

Lots of hi-tech gear follows as Scot assembles his ace team, which flies over in a special private jet from D.C. (your tax dollars at work). The team takes down the enemy one by one, both through the usual means of guns and hydrofluoric acid, and also by making imaginative use of local resources, including polar bears and wolves. Someone is always in pain, including Scot himself, who gets worked over by luxuriously-tatted Russians.

The settings are sumptuous, from southern Norway at the end of summer, to the always-winter northern reaches of the Arctic Circle. On a more serious note, Thor's political intrigue is a potent reminder that nations are in a forever war — covert and not-so-hidden — for precious natural resources and those conflicts heat up with the heating of the planet.

This is a great read. Highly entertaining. I'm not sure I'd ever have the stamina or interest to revisit Scot Harvath's earlier exploits, but I might check the next installment to see how he and Sølvi are doing and if he's still enjoying Norway's white nights.

[Seabreeeze · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a big disappointment. There are a few very brief scenes of intense action, surrounded by not much. This is one of those thrillers I usually enjoy, with a scary plan by nefarious bad guys to do something world-shatteringly dreadful. This book has the same, but written in a way that removes any feeling of urgency, and that lacks the build-up and momentum that usually make thrillers compelling.

[Jeremy Lenzi · Rating 2 out of 5]

To each his own, but this was just there and it took just about everything I had to slog through it. It just wasn’t that interesting.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first started reading BRAD THOR’s books in 2007. Since then, I have read 10 of his Scot Harvath novels. BLACK ICE is number 20 in the series. Mr. Thor just keeps getting better with each story. Some of them are just plain scary, not because of the violence (lots) or undead beasts (none) but because they could happen and probably will.
Over the previous couple of books, Harvath, the lead character, has had extreme peaks and valleys in his life. Now, there is a new woman in his world; Solvi is Deputy Director of the Norwegian Intelligence Service. As the story opens, they have just spent the summer together, in and around Oslo, Norway. Scot is recuperating from injuries, mental and physical, suffered in his last assignments. His employer is The Carlton Group, a private security contractor whom the U.S. government hires when they need work done that cannot be traced back to it. The idyllic summer is about end with a resounding crash.
The Chinese and the Russians are up to no good in Norway. They are collaborating on a project that will allow their naval ships to be hidden from electronic surveillance. A test of the Chinese-developed system is to take place in extreme northern Norway in Kirkenes, Vardo and the Svalbard archipelago
Aligned against Harvath’s team are Han Guang of China and Yevgeny Sarov of Russia. Both men have nasty backgrounds in the world of international security. Another part of the plot involves Xing Fen, China’s Vice-premier, who is the most powerful woman in China. She is trying to steal votes in the U.S. so that China can create a Liquefied Natural Gas company in Alaska. These plots are all tied into to controlling the Arctic Ocean shipping lanes.
In addition to Scot and Solvi are the rest of Scot’s team from previous stories. They are men and women culled from U.S. Special Forces – Delta Force, Green Berets, Navy SEALS, Marine Force Recon and the Central Intelligence Agency. They are the best money can buy of brains and brawn.
Another enemy that the team faces is Mother Nature and the awful weather conditions that exist in northern Norway even in late summer. A storm is a major obstacle in Scot’s plan to thwart his opponents. As a reader, I even felt it.
BRAD THOR is a terrific writer. If you are a fan of spy adventure stories, you need to check out his books. They are at the top of the genre. If you like to know what techno-terror options are on the horizon, you should be reading his books as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
GO! BUY! READ!

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Scot Harvath series is one I've been reading for almost as long as the books have been published. Black Ice is the 20th entry, and while the series used to be an auto buy for me I found the last entry Near Dark to easily the worst book in the series. That feeling left me less than excited to read this book which is its direct follow up. Instead of buying this time I decided to download the audiobook from the library.

First thing I will say is I think audio is a pretty good way to consume these books. They're short and the narration is good so they are good for listening on walks or during exercise. Second I will say that I'm glad I didn't pay for a hardcover copy because along with being short it was pretty mediocre overall. It was absolutely a step up from Near Dark, but that's not saying much. Overall it would be mid to lower tier in the series. Let's talk about why.

First I'll say what I liked which is as usual Harvath as the main character. He's very charismatic and I like the way he interacts with the other characters in the series and the action sequences. He's back in form here are spending all of Near Dark as a reminiscing alcoholic. I also like the interesting locales here. There was a lot of cool details about Norway and specifically the area above the arctic circle. I also liked the idea behind the plot of the novel being China and Russia attempting to get a foothold in the arctic.

What I didn't like is really the execution of that idea. The plot here for being a thriller is pretty bland. It's like we're supposed to believe that it's a really high stakes international espionage game, but it never feels that way. The action through most of the book until the end is pretty lacking as well, and there are really no action scenes that are that cool or interesting. Everything almost seems too easy. Also, I think part of the problem with stakes is intertwined with the fact that this book has really no "big bad". There is a character that he tries to fit into that roll, but it doesn't really work and there is really no focus on any compelling villain. I think this has become a problem as Thor has tried to write books that are more geo-political based rather than terrorism based. He just can't pull that off as well as say a Clancy or even a Greany. Just making the villain be the Russian or Chinese government doesn't work. Finally, I think it was a strange choice by Thor to put what equates to a separate short story about Reed Carlton in the middle of this book. It's interesting backstory, but the plot essentially pauses so a new character can tell us a story. It seems like it would have worked better as a separate work. If you take out that portion this book would be really thin which seems like a problem in and of itself.

With all these caveats this is still a book I liked more than I disliked, and it's a step up from the previous entry. It is disappointing that Thor seems to put out a couple of duds after what I thought might be the best book in the series in Backlash. If he can get the series back on track and more in that vein I could be an all-in fan again. Until this I'll happily borrow these from the library rather than pay for them.

[Heather Densmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

When there’s action in Black Ice, it’s fantastic. For me, there were too many back stories & romance and not enough action.

[Mcf1nder_sk · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few books that I was willing to interrupt my #bookseriessummer challenge to read, but Black Ice by @realbradthor was one I've had on my radar ever since the release date was posted. After reading, I'm so glad I didn't wait to dive in.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As usual, I re-read the previous novel, Near Dark, to get myself into the proper mindset and get the backdrop of Scot Horvath's latest adventure. The author has again done an incredible job with his smooth transitions from novel to novel, with Scot's life easily flowing along a smooth path with no continuity issues at all. The older cat of characters appear to have changed very little, with the same personality styles as previous books. The new characters that enter Horvath's life are nicely fleshed-out and each are memorable for their own distinct traits. The action, as usual for a Thor novel, is gripping and explosive without being over-the-top to the point of ridicule. Horvath is not a superman, able to shake off injuries and continue on his mission unfazed, making him a much more believable and likable character.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Black Ice is a novel that has more than earned its place among the best of Brad Thor's works, thereby making it among the best thriller novels out there, period. For any fan of the thriller genre, Thor is among the tops, and among my Top 5 authors, without question.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scot Harvath is on vacation from the events of the last book, hanging out in Norway with his new lady love. He's bopping around town, when he sees the face of a man he assassinated not too many years ago. What could this guy, or his double be up to? Of course, he's up to no good, and Harvath has to go to extremes to ferret out the guy's mission.

Top notch.

[Maddie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always say Brad’s next book is better than the last, and that is the truth again! As much as I loved Scot Harvath on his own with nothing to lose, it was a lot of fun to have him back in a really good place. The main cast of characters never disappoint and we got some really fun introductions to a few characters I really hope to see again in future novels!

As for the rest of it, troubling things get set in motion very quickly and seem to slowly unfold over the story. Scot really has no idea what he has gotten himself and his team into, but I can guarantee you’re going to have a blast going along on the ride with him!

[Todd Wilkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books

After enduring some of the worst moments imaginable in the past few books, we find Scot Harvath on leave from the Carlton group, enjoying the Norweigan summer with Sølvi Kolstad, the Deputy Director at the Norwegian Intelligence Service. Harvath is torn between the peace and comfort he has found over the past few months with Sølvi and his job, really his calling, back in the US. As he tries to soak up the last few days of his time with her, someone from his past is spotted where they shouldn’t be… above ground. Scot is tasked with unraveling the mystery of how a man he personally killed is walking around and why specifically he’s doing so in Olso.

Black Ice is a riveting novel and the events are so timely that it seems like Thor can see into the future while the rest of us are just now catching up through current news stories. The real world dangers in the Arctic are deftly outlined and explained, though in a fictional form, but as I read today’s headlines I can picture Harvath plotting how to protect the US and our allies.

Make sure to check out the full review

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually devour the new Brad Thor thriller each time one comes out, but I was disappointed in this one. Scot Harvath is one of my favorite characters/protagonists but he seemed so shallow in this book. While there were hints of a great plot , they all fizzled out . The book just seemed unfinished. It was almost like reading an outline of what the book was going to be. I did love the locale of the novel and the supporting characters were very good. I will look forward to the next Scot Harvath in hopes it is more like the ones where I fell in love with the man and his mission.

[T. Theresa Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like the character, Scott Harvath! Always have! The author has run our of imagination. The last 2-3 books have been slow, lack imagination and are hard to read.

[Yigal Zur · Rating 2 out of 5]

i have read better from Thor. Shallow geopolitics as always Chinese are smart and bad , Russians are bullies. too many side stories to fill pages. not good enough.

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scot Harvath is not back, he is on vacation with his girlfriend in Norway. Black Ice by Brad Thor is another great book from an author I sadly missed when he was here researching in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. I tried to get in touch but no luck. Scot is planning dinner when he spots a ghost from his past. This leads to a discovery of some nefarious things going on in both Kirkenes and Svalbard. The idea behind the russians is similar to that one in Kodnamn Aurora by David Bergman. They are trying to secure a northern passage and domination of raw material. As usual it was a quick read due to a well written book and hard to put down. Harvath has evolved a lot since the beginning. For a while I thought it was going in a bad direction but Thor managed to fix that and the series is really back on track.

[Vicki Elia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the worst Harvath books yet. Filled with cliches in both plot and dialogue. Little action until the second half of the book. Compared to other authors in this genre, it was a 2-star book.

As an avid reader of this genre, I found the torture - yes, torture - scenes viscerally gruesome. Perhaps it was the lame writing that failed to offset it. Perhaps it finally dawned on me that Harvath does this because he likes it. By the end, I was mystified as to why Sølvi loves him.

[Ray Palen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always refreshing to read a new Brad Thor novel. With the passing of author Tom Clancy back in 2013 the literary world was left with a gaping hole of political thriller writers with a conservative sensibility. Thor has more than picked up the gauntlet and filled this void and his Scot Harvath series continues to make in impact with themes and stories that are an ideal fit for the world of political turmoil we all currently live in.

BLACK ICE finds, at least initially, a far more mellow version of the Scot Harvath we have grown to love throughout this series. He has had to deal with a lot of change --- both in the political climate that has changed his role as a special agent as well as the personal loss of his friend and mentor with his organization, The Carlton Group. Readers of this series also understand that Harvath is an ex-Navy Seal and ex-Secret Service member who has a special set of skills that has found him in demand for projects few others could accomplish.

First off, let’s break down the title of this novel and the significance the term plays throughout this novel. The rapidly melting sea ice in the Arctic Waters --- a Blue Arctic --- will create new opportunities and challenges for world powers that seek to exploit the area, specifically the United States, Russia, and China. Since the current value system of the U.S. vastly differs from those other two World Powers it will become imperative that we prevent them from using such natural resources to wrest power from our country.
There is a great action sequence at the beginning of the novel where Harvath is in a helicopter with two other men that is about to crash in the very same Arctic territory. We will see this sequence in detail later in BLACK ICE --- and it’s one of the best action sequences I’ve read in a while --- but first we must go back 72 hours prior to this event to set up the plot. Scot Harvath is having a great summer in Oslo, Norway, with his true love, Solvi, and things could not be better since he stepped away from his previous line of work. That is until he literally sees a ghost, a man who Harvath had personally killed years earlier appearing before his eyes.

America’s top spy is quickly called back into action in a race against not only time but also the combined efforts of China and Russia. He is brought up to speed on what those countries are plotting and it involves control of the Arctic Shelf and threats of nuclear power being utilized in that region. China is seen as the largest threat here, especially since the ‘ghost’ Harvath saw stepping from a taxi earlier was Colonel Jiang Shi of the People’s Liberation Army. A really bad guy with a lot of power who Harvath swore had been eliminated from the political chessboard.

The race to get icebreaker ships into the Arctic has become a reality and it seems the U.S. is way behind in this area. Harvath turns things on and seems to run on automatic pilot in situations like this, an intelligent killing-machine who is willing to do anything to achieve the goals of his assignment. He relies upon his loyal band of colleagues that have been there for him throughout his super spy life, and it is great to see the old gang together again. China’s goal is to disrupt radar technology in a mission labelled “Black Ice” and Scot Harvath may be the only person standing between them and success.

BLACK ICE is a slow burn of a novel that spends a lot of time establishing the players and the moves being made in this political game. However, once the last third of the novel kicks into gear we get to see Brad Thor at his best with action sequences that will literally chill readers while simultaneously taking their breath away. Scot Harvath is the only person for this job, and he is the hero we need to do whatever it takes to maintain our security and safety in the face of so much adversity in the form of our political rivals.

Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I'm actually hesitant about starting this review. First of all, let me say that Scot Harvath is one of my absolute favorite book characters. I have read and listened to every one of Brad Thor's books and have gone on all of the journeys alongside Scot. I have cried - especially just recently - when Scot lost absolutely everything and everyone that he loved. Yet, life does go on and I was happy that he was able to move forward and especially when he was able to met out his own form of justice. Okay, that is a long way of saying that I'm a fan, but I am also a reader. So why am I hesitant?

The premise of this book was interesting. I can honestly say that I learn so much about geo-political relationships and strategic situations from Mr. Thor. He brings things to my attention and because I am curious by nature, afterwards I end up looking for more information on subjects that I am not familiar with so that I can be more informed. The fight for artic land and ship channels is one that I have been hearing about for the last couple of years and it was intriguing to have the book plot revolve around that. Unfortunately, for once, the plot of the story really wasn't front and center. I never thought I would complain about Scot's romantic life. So, I guess I should learn to stop saying never.

To me, the relationship between Scot and Solvi seemed forced. And there was just so much emphasis on it that it ended up pulling me out of the story. Do I have a problem with Scot having a significant other? Absolutely not. But, honestly, his wife JUST died. I mean, seriously was murdered right in front of him. They were married less than a day and then his life exploded. So do I think it's a bit soon? Umm.....yes. But, in life, things happen so if he met someone that he was able to move forward with, okay. But then with what happened at the end of the book, that was a shocker. What in the world is the rush? So, that is one issue.

The other thing that was different was that as I mentioned before, the plot itself seemed to take a back seat to other things. We get to meet a new character that supposedly was close with the "Old Man" and in order to hear about how he got his nickname we are told this really LONG and involved story that was interesting but again, it didn't quite fit into the flow of the storyline. Just superficial information.

Then, Scot calls his "team" to join him in Norway but I'm not sure why. They really didn't end up doing anything. They didn't help him when he was in serious trouble.....either time. Nicholas provided some support, but he could have done that from anywhere. Again, pieces of things that normally fit very well together but for once, didn't fit.

Does this mean that I didn't like the book? No. I did. Even a bad Brad Thor book is better than 90% of all other books. And it wasn't bad. It was just unexpected. I went back and forth between a 3 star and a 4 star rating and decided to go with 4. Mr. Thor has built up a heck of a lot of credibility with me.

I listened to most of this on Audible and as usual, felt that Armand Schultz did a wonderful job. One thing though - it mentions that there is a bonus conversation with Brad and Armand at the end of the audio version. For whatever reason, my audio version did not have that. I would really have liked to hear the two of them talk about the series. Oh well.

Now, it is time for the wait again. That awful time after the yearly book has been finished and we know that it is going to be another year until we get the next book. But, I will wait because as I said in the beginning, I am a fan.

[wally · Rating 4 out of 5]

finished yesterday 28th october 2021 good read four stars really liked it kindle...and i'm not sure if this was a library loaner or a purchase. thought some scenes as it neared the end were in and out through the drive-thru and left me feeling like wait now...did they give me ketchup? not the end of the world and have seen it before in quite a few stories so what gives? word count? editing? you have the whole blanket keeping all things warm early on through most and then we have cheesecloth at the end. release the hounds!

[Stevie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The 20th book demise?

I read all his books and loved his geopolitical adventures and writings on spy craft. This book seemed short and I wonder if it was written not for readers but for audio book fans? Many of Thor's books average over 360 pages. Not sure if longer book lengths translate well to audio books?

The story and background are well written but the ending was a very small part of the book and it felt rushed. He only writes one book per year but I feel like Thor is looking not into his rear view mirror, but over his shoulder. Is that the author jack Carr I see coming up behind him? Thor's writings have become increasingly middle of the road and politically benign and it does not fit him.

I read his books because he calls people out. He is now playing it safe and he would do well to remember his quote from True Black. “Benjamin Franklin, that those who trade some of their liberty for a little temporary security deserve neither and will lose both."

He is trying to hard not to be cancelled and the writing in this book has suffered. More telling is that in his Black Ice acknowledgements, Thor relied on a scholar for Russian background information. That same scholar who is educating Thor on Russia is also a writer for Atlantic Magazine. Slanted is the first word that comes to mind.

I am done with Thor paying it safe and not standing up to the crap that is being facilitated and perpetuated by inept politicians in DC.

[Kevin Collett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Generally I really like Scot Harvath novels but this and the previous book, Near Dark, have been disappointments for me.

For this book, I felt more effort was made describing meals and scenery than action sequences. I found the action sequences quite perfunctory too.

It was a very easy read but I was hoping for more.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very slow moving and mundane through the first half of the book. Saved by the explosive ending . Overall a disappointment and not one of Brad Thor's better stories.

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read but unexceptional

[John of Canada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I have my next thriller author. I liked how everything was tied up in a neat bundle.