Ultra

by Sebastian Tim

In the closing hours of the Gulf Waf, an American Special Forces team murders a group of Allied soldiers in the middle of the Iraqi desert. Years later, two canisters containing a lethal nerve agent go missing from a secret US government installation. What follows is a taut, compelling, and frighteningly authentic story from tomorrow's headlines.

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published December 1, 1997

Reviews

[Annelie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book started out as a four, only to go down to a three nearing the end but by the end, the supposed 'climax' it had dipped to a solid two.

I wish I could give the book more stars, because Sebastian's writing style is excellent and the plot was an amazing idea. I just do not get the feeling that I read a complete novel. Maybe the middle piece, but not the introduction, the character building and definitely not a satisfying ending!

I basically got a sneak peak in this book about how a single secret coming out could topple the entirety of America's governing body. It was exciting, I was waiting with baited breath to see the system break apart and break down!

I was extremely disappointed with the ending. Hell, I was extremely disappointed with the characters. The only two characters I got the feeling who made a great change during the book were Harden (barely) and March (greatest change). And even then, we did not get to see March through to the very end because the book suddenly stops!

I get the idea Tim Sebastian had with the ending, really, I do, but it's just not satisfying. I wanted more, I wanted the fall-out, I wanted the hunt for March to be fucking on, I wanted that! I wanted more.

If the book had been double the length it is, there would have been place for character development, instead of people being dropped in seemingly randomly. Peadmont came from out of nowhere, and he could have been damned interesting. Harries is...well, I don't bloody know, do I? Julie, why should I give a damn? Leah is supposed to be this terrifying sharp-minded woman and...we don't see that. At all. I'd love to have seen Leah go up against Lovett or Peadmont, but no, it wasn't to be.

Heck, even the president was pretty much just 'oh, btw, this dude exists.'

The book, the plot, the amazing story could have been so much more than it is.

But it isn't. So two stars for excellent writing and an incredible plot, but that's all this book gets from me.

[Sheepdog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Sebastian, like another great thriller writer (Gerald Seymour), started as a journalist. Mr Sebastian with the BBC.

"Thriller" could give you the wrong idea. Their books are thrilling... but they are not pulp fiction. They have substance, depth, well developed characters. If you take out the narrative of the good guys chasing wrong-doing and Saving The Day, you are STILL left with a lot of material.

In Ultra, Sebastian's central figure has been a reporter in the Gulf War. He has done well, and his career is taking off. Then he is contacted by a veteran. And tales of secret weapons programs begin to surface. And the the possiblity that some of the weapons may still be around... and in the wrong hands...

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the greatest book I've ever read! The plot was a fantastic idea it just seems poorly written! It jumps from 1 bit to another but doesn't leave you on a knife edge waiting to see what happens next! The characters seem flat and 1 dimensional!
It's got 2 stars because I actually finished it! I don't think I will pick it up again in a hurry or read any of the authors other books!

[Lysergius · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very compelling and authentic.

[Gideon Arthur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. I made it through to the end.