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Alex Mason #8
All The King's Men
LIES, POWER, AND CORRUPTION...
Multiple time USA TODAY & Amazon 5-million copy bestselling authors DAVID ARCHER and BLAKE BANNER have combined forces to create one hell of a thriller series! It seems to be kiss and tell season, with black ops whistleblowers and journalists willing to come out and tell their stories, lured by the promise of fortunes to be made from book sales and media celebrity. But this time, it’s a little different. Because Colonel Ian Cameron, late of the Central Intelligence Agency, launching his tell all book, SEX DRUGS AND ROCK’N’ROLL AT THE WHITE HOUSE, at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, has been abducted in plain view on the corner of West 59th and 5th Avenue. The only problem is, despite his revelations, and the heads that will roll because of them, it is in nobody’s interest to have Colonel Ian Cameron hurt. So what Nero, the head of ultra-secret intelligence organization ODIN wants Mason to find out is… Who the hell has the colonel? The search for the answer will take Mason first to New York, then to Sinaloa in Mexico and ultimately to the shocking truth in the Middle East, where he will face an impossible choice, to kill or to die.
Multiple time USA TODAY & Amazon 5-million copy bestselling authors DAVID ARCHER and BLAKE BANNER have combined forces to create one hell of a thriller series! It seems to be kiss and tell season, with black ops whistleblowers and journalists willing to come out and tell their stories, lured by the promise of fortunes to be made from book sales and media celebrity. But this time, it’s a little different. Because Colonel Ian Cameron, late of the Central Intelligence Agency, launching his tell all book, SEX DRUGS AND ROCK’N’ROLL AT THE WHITE HOUSE, at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, has been abducted in plain view on the corner of West 59th and 5th Avenue. The only problem is, despite his revelations, and the heads that will roll because of them, it is in nobody’s interest to have Colonel Ian Cameron hurt. So what Nero, the head of ultra-secret intelligence organization ODIN wants Mason to find out is… Who the hell has the colonel? The search for the answer will take Mason first to New York, then to Sinaloa in Mexico and ultimately to the shocking truth in the Middle East, where he will face an impossible choice, to kill or to die.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2023
About the author
David Archer
194 books531 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
David Archer was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. He is a fiction author and novelist, writing in the mysteries and thrillers genre. His approach to writing is to hit deep, keep you entertained, and leave you wanting MORE with every turn of the page. He writes mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels, all of which are primed to get your heart pumping.
David Archer was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. He is a fiction author and novelist, writing in the mysteries and thrillers genre. His approach to writing is to hit deep, keep you entertained, and leave you wanting MORE with every turn of the page. He writes mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels, all of which are primed to get your heart pumping.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 29, 2025
As I sit here pining away the last few days of my surgical leave from work, I decided to whittle away at my vaunted TBR pile (you know, that precarious pile of books that every bibliophile has - either piled precariously on the nightstand or filling up their digital reading device) and finally read what I think is one of the first books by the writing duo of David Archer and Blake Banner that I have read.
The book, "All the King's Men", is the eighth book in the ODIN series, with the main protagonist being Alex Mason (an agent with the mysterious governmental agency in the shadows of global espionage lies the secretive organization called ODIN - officially known as a government agency, it operates discreetly to maintain national security), which was released on 28 March 2023.
This book is a relatively short novel (I think, maybe 227 pages) and was a quick read.
The premise of the book is that a former member of the Central Intelligence Agency (and formerly Delta Force), Colonel Ian Cameron, has decided to ease his way into retirement by writing a tell-all book that is the story of his life in government service, detailing the misadventures that he had played a part in this environment of violence, crime, and cruelty, sparing none of the powers that be and the pillars of society who may have profited as a result of his services (aptly titled "SEX, DRUGS, AND ROCK’N’ROLL AT THE WHITE HOUSE").
As Cameron takes a brief respite from his book launch party at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, he is abducted in plain view on the corner of West 59th and 5th Avenue.
A large chunk of this novel seems to revolve around how the Central Intelligence Agency attains some of its funding for its "black operations" in other parts of the world (primarily in the Middle East), the role that they played in the trafficking of illicit narcotics from Mexico into the United States, the billions of dollars that were raised, and the corrupt practices of the political and judicial representatives that wanted a taste of that money. Some of the money that these "black operations" raised was through the selling of weapons and equipment to organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which would then use those items against American and Allied troops in the region (which then supported the American Military Industrial Complex).
As far-fetched as such a scenario may sound, this scenario draws parallels with "The Iran-Contra affair" (the Iran-Contra affair was a US government scandal where senior officials, during the Reagan administration, secretly sold weapons to Iran, a nation subject to an arms embargo, to facilitate the release of American hostages held by Iranian-backed terrorist groups. Proceeds from these arms sales were then diverted to support the Contras, a rebel group fighting against the Sandinista government in Nicaragua, despite a congressional ban on government funding of the Contras, and a military officer with the rank of colonel (Oliver North). Both the scenario in the book and the real-life incident involved ill-gotten proceeds (raised through the sales of weapons and drugs), the fact that these activities were conducted covertly, with many officials who would initially deny involvement or lie under oath.
The only problem is, despite his revelations and the heads that will roll because of them, it is in nobody’s interest to have Colonel Ian Cameron hurt. So what Nero, the head of the ultra-secret intelligence organization ODIN, wants our protagonist to find out is…
Who the hell has the colonel?
The search for the answer will take Mason first to New York, then to Sinaloa in Mexico, and ultimately to the shocking truth in the Middle East, where he will face an impossible choice: to kill or to die.
That said, on my self-determined five-star rating scale, I would normally give this book a four-star rating as the first part of the story was pretty sound. However, I found that the many errors, both grammatical and spelling, would drop my score. Even with the distractions, I think that fans of Bond, Rapp, Harvath, and The Gray Man will love the Alex Mason character. I found that this novel (and likely the series) by Archer and Banner to be full of espionage, intrigue, politics, and death.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents' worth.
The book, "All the King's Men", is the eighth book in the ODIN series, with the main protagonist being Alex Mason (an agent with the mysterious governmental agency in the shadows of global espionage lies the secretive organization called ODIN - officially known as a government agency, it operates discreetly to maintain national security), which was released on 28 March 2023.
This book is a relatively short novel (I think, maybe 227 pages) and was a quick read.
The premise of the book is that a former member of the Central Intelligence Agency (and formerly Delta Force), Colonel Ian Cameron, has decided to ease his way into retirement by writing a tell-all book that is the story of his life in government service, detailing the misadventures that he had played a part in this environment of violence, crime, and cruelty, sparing none of the powers that be and the pillars of society who may have profited as a result of his services (aptly titled "SEX, DRUGS, AND ROCK’N’ROLL AT THE WHITE HOUSE").
As Cameron takes a brief respite from his book launch party at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, he is abducted in plain view on the corner of West 59th and 5th Avenue.
A large chunk of this novel seems to revolve around how the Central Intelligence Agency attains some of its funding for its "black operations" in other parts of the world (primarily in the Middle East), the role that they played in the trafficking of illicit narcotics from Mexico into the United States, the billions of dollars that were raised, and the corrupt practices of the political and judicial representatives that wanted a taste of that money. Some of the money that these "black operations" raised was through the selling of weapons and equipment to organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which would then use those items against American and Allied troops in the region (which then supported the American Military Industrial Complex).
As far-fetched as such a scenario may sound, this scenario draws parallels with "The Iran-Contra affair" (the Iran-Contra affair was a US government scandal where senior officials, during the Reagan administration, secretly sold weapons to Iran, a nation subject to an arms embargo, to facilitate the release of American hostages held by Iranian-backed terrorist groups. Proceeds from these arms sales were then diverted to support the Contras, a rebel group fighting against the Sandinista government in Nicaragua, despite a congressional ban on government funding of the Contras, and a military officer with the rank of colonel (Oliver North). Both the scenario in the book and the real-life incident involved ill-gotten proceeds (raised through the sales of weapons and drugs), the fact that these activities were conducted covertly, with many officials who would initially deny involvement or lie under oath.
The only problem is, despite his revelations and the heads that will roll because of them, it is in nobody’s interest to have Colonel Ian Cameron hurt. So what Nero, the head of the ultra-secret intelligence organization ODIN, wants our protagonist to find out is…
Who the hell has the colonel?
The search for the answer will take Mason first to New York, then to Sinaloa in Mexico, and ultimately to the shocking truth in the Middle East, where he will face an impossible choice: to kill or to die.
That said, on my self-determined five-star rating scale, I would normally give this book a four-star rating as the first part of the story was pretty sound. However, I found that the many errors, both grammatical and spelling, would drop my score. Even with the distractions, I think that fans of Bond, Rapp, Harvath, and The Gray Man will love the Alex Mason character. I found that this novel (and likely the series) by Archer and Banner to be full of espionage, intrigue, politics, and death.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents' worth.
April 2, 2023
Meh. The last book set a high bar, this one didn’t come close
The last book in the series was so much better. This one desperately needs copy editing, and an editor to tell the authors the “female assassin” could have been written better. There was an opportunity for suspense that was either ignored or missed. Dialogue wasn’t nearly as sharp either. I still read it, and so will lots of other people, and I will read the next one, but certainly NOT because of this one.
The last book in the series was so much better. This one desperately needs copy editing, and an editor to tell the authors the “female assassin” could have been written better. There was an opportunity for suspense that was either ignored or missed. Dialogue wasn’t nearly as sharp either. I still read it, and so will lots of other people, and I will read the next one, but certainly NOT because of this one.
April 10, 2023
Positively a book not to be missed
Aside from the numerous misspelled words it was a excellent book. Anyone who enjoys spy thriller will be very happy with this story. I expect that the author will update the book correcting the errors. Overall am very pleased with the whole story.
Aside from the numerous misspelled words it was a excellent book. Anyone who enjoys spy thriller will be very happy with this story. I expect that the author will update the book correcting the errors. Overall am very pleased with the whole story.
April 12, 2023
Page turning book i could not put down
Another home run Alex Mason book. Equal parts action and dripping sarcasm. neither of which i could get enough of. Highly recomnend book and series if you are a fan of spy novels. My only complaint is that i read through too fast and now have to wait until June to see what happens next.
Another home run Alex Mason book. Equal parts action and dripping sarcasm. neither of which i could get enough of. Highly recomnend book and series if you are a fan of spy novels. My only complaint is that i read through too fast and now have to wait until June to see what happens next.
April 15, 2023
CC1
This was an excellent Mason thriller. Mason not know who the kidnappers were till the very end. Once he found it was his Israelis partner he began to understand. But unfortunately Cameron did not cooperate. He ended up dead. His book brought down many government people high up. Can't wait for the next chapter. 10 stars plus !!!! Thanks, Carl Clause
This was an excellent Mason thriller. Mason not know who the kidnappers were till the very end. Once he found it was his Israelis partner he began to understand. But unfortunately Cameron did not cooperate. He ended up dead. His book brought down many government people high up. Can't wait for the next chapter. 10 stars plus !!!! Thanks, Carl Clause
October 7, 2025
very entertaining spy thriller
Author gets quite a few things wrong about the DMV. In current book there is no Wilson Ave in Arlington VA it’s in Alexandria VA. It’s Wilson Blvd in Arlington. Also there is no parking under the Pentagon nor are there 7 floors. Still entertaining needs more research.
Author gets quite a few things wrong about the DMV. In current book there is no Wilson Ave in Arlington VA it’s in Alexandria VA. It’s Wilson Blvd in Arlington. Also there is no parking under the Pentagon nor are there 7 floors. Still entertaining needs more research.
March 31, 2023
exciting as always
When will Gallin and Mason finally get together really. Too much waiting already.
There were several typo errors. Mssrs Archer and Banner, your copywriters need to up their ante.
When will Gallin and Mason finally get together really. Too much waiting already.
There were several typo errors. Mssrs Archer and Banner, your copywriters need to up their ante.
April 1, 2023
Julie
As usual David Archer and Blake Banner have delivered a great read. I really enjoy this series and look forward to the next book. Yes, I will recommend this book and the series to my friends and family.
As usual David Archer and Blake Banner have delivered a great read. I really enjoy this series and look forward to the next book. Yes, I will recommend this book and the series to my friends and family.
April 5, 2023
Fast-paced thriller!
There is a lot going on in this book. People are being killed and the killer is unknown. Is it revenge, or is there a different motive? Who is behind it? Alex Mason is put into action and must deal with past alliances.
There is a lot going on in this book. People are being killed and the killer is unknown. Is it revenge, or is there a different motive? Who is behind it? Alex Mason is put into action and must deal with past alliances.
April 9, 2023
Predictable but good
Enjoyed the read even if I predicted most of the storyline long before it happened.
I am a sucker for book series regarding set characters you get to see grow.
Would be nice to understand more background on the main character though.
Enjoyed the read even if I predicted most of the storyline long before it happened.
I am a sucker for book series regarding set characters you get to see grow.
Would be nice to understand more background on the main character though.
April 10, 2023
All the Kings Men
I started reading the Alex Mason books with a Kindle Unlimited free read, I enjoyed it so much I purchased the previous books and have all the next books in the series. The reading is fast enjoyable, and keeps me wandering! Keep this series coming please!
I started reading the Alex Mason books with a Kindle Unlimited free read, I enjoyed it so much I purchased the previous books and have all the next books in the series. The reading is fast enjoyable, and keeps me wandering! Keep this series coming please!
April 19, 2023
Show stopper
Alex Mason is back, and better than ever, ODIN gets pulled into the thick of things to find....an author? Of course, there is much more to it, but rest assured you won't be disappointed!!!
Alex Mason is back, and better than ever, ODIN gets pulled into the thick of things to find....an author? Of course, there is much more to it, but rest assured you won't be disappointed!!!
May 4, 2023
Fantastic story line, unbelievable scenes yet still entertaining
A fabulous story line a bit unbelievable but entertaining nonetheless. Read the whole series once you get started. You won’t regret.
A fabulous story line a bit unbelievable but entertaining nonetheless. Read the whole series once you get started. You won’t regret.
May 26, 2023
Loved This Series
Can't wait for the next book and would really like for it to be turn into a TV or movie thing.
What a really good take on the cartel's theme so many author's like to write about.
Can't wait for the next book and would really like for it to be turn into a TV or movie thing.
What a really good take on the cartel's theme so many author's like to write about.
January 26, 2024
All the King's men
Interesting concept for most of the main theme of the story, particularly as it is probably true. Conspiracy theories abound and this is awesome in its tie to the modern world with the various powers that be on the stage of our earth.
Interesting concept for most of the main theme of the story, particularly as it is probably true. Conspiracy theories abound and this is awesome in its tie to the modern world with the various powers that be on the stage of our earth.
January 29, 2024
Blake Mason gets a call from Nero...!
There's a deadly kidnapper on the streets of New York! She and her colleagues have quietly kidnapped a celebrity, high ranked military man from the late night street near the Four Seasons, witnessed only by a homeless " Doggy"!!!
There's a deadly kidnapper on the streets of New York! She and her colleagues have quietly kidnapped a celebrity, high ranked military man from the late night street near the Four Seasons, witnessed only by a homeless " Doggy"!!!
February 12, 2024
fire your editor
The plots are this series are engaging. But WHEN are you going to hook Alex and Alia up!!
Oh, and you need to fire your editor. The many many errors, both grammatical and spelling, are distracting. And annoying. And should totally not be there.
The plots are this series are engaging. But WHEN are you going to hook Alex and Alia up!!
Oh, and you need to fire your editor. The many many errors, both grammatical and spelling, are distracting. And annoying. And should totally not be there.
October 12, 2026
All The Kings Men
Who would have thought that publishing a book would cause so much damage? But a tell all of what’s really going on in politics and DC would likely mirror the story here.
Who would have thought that publishing a book would cause so much damage? But a tell all of what’s really going on in politics and DC would likely mirror the story here.
March 30, 2023
Great book
One of my favorites in this series. Great read. Lots of action. Some humor. Love the banter between the multiple characters.
One of my favorites in this series. Great read. Lots of action. Some humor. Love the banter between the multiple characters.
April 1, 2023
thriller
A very hard book to put down! This by far the best in the series so far!! Waiting for the next one
A very hard book to put down! This by far the best in the series so far!! Waiting for the next one
April 1, 2023
Really great read and good plot well worth a read and can't wait for next book great series an.d characters
April 1, 2023
There was so much wrong with this book - the ludicrous plot, the writing, the many, many typos. Hated it.
April 2, 2023
Non stop page turner
Couldn't put it down!! Love every minute!! Alex and Gallin at it again!! Looking forward to the next in this series!!
Couldn't put it down!! Love every minute!! Alex and Gallin at it again!! Looking forward to the next in this series!!
April 3, 2023
A winner again
Mason is an amazing agent. This story was a real nail biter. Can't wait for the next book. Hope it's soon.
Mason is an amazing agent. This story was a real nail biter. Can't wait for the next book. Hope it's soon.
April 13, 2023
EXCELLENT!!!!
Typical Alex Mason elimination of the bad guys. Engaging read! Just a hint of sex with nothing graphic which I prefer.
Typical Alex Mason elimination of the bad guys. Engaging read! Just a hint of sex with nothing graphic which I prefer.
April 16, 2023
I like Alex down to Earth freedom fighter and look forward to the next in this series!!!
Read
April 23, 2023Enjoyed it very much
May 2, 2023
It’s a good read for Alex Mason fans. Harrowing at times, and full of action, like most of the Alex Mason books, and this one has readers asking lots of questions. Things aren’t what they seem.
May 18, 2023
Excellent!!!
Alex Mason and friends are wonderful and disastrous people. They fight for what is right and to hell with everything else.
Alex Mason and friends are wonderful and disastrous people. They fight for what is right and to hell with everything else.
June 1, 2023
Good, fast-paced read. .
Akex Mason is at the top of his game. Keep the books and action coming. More amd more.
Thank you.
Akex Mason is at the top of his game. Keep the books and action coming. More amd more.
Thank you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews