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Shadow Warriors #1
The Line
They killed Patton when he opposed them. They ve cowered Presidents into going to war. For more than half a century, a secret organization of Army officers known as The Line has been covertly manipulating US Policy. Now, in a political climate rife with dissent and unrest, The Line has ordered a pivotal top-secret operation that will let the world know who is really in charge: take out the President on Pearl Harbor Day. But The Line didn t count on Boomer Watson, a member of the Army s elite Delta Force and Major Benita Trace, both West Point graduates, staying true to their oath of allegiance and willing to fight The Line with their lives. From The Ukraine to Pearl Harbor to West Point to the Army-Navy game in Philadelphia, it s a race against time to stop The Line as December 7th looms.
418 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1996
About the author
Bob Mayer
582 books47.8k followersI'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books.
I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.
I also collaborate with Jennifer Crusie on our unique brand of suspense thrillers with humor.
I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.
I also collaborate with Jennifer Crusie on our unique brand of suspense thrillers with humor.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 20, 2019
Another thriller from Bob Mayer. I picked this one up YEARs ago but just now got around to it. Bob is a pretty thriller/suspense writer. I have enjoyed all his various novels, from Area 51, to the Atlantis thrillers, to his Green Berets and Black Ops thrillers. Usual comment of he could use an editor. A few spelling/editorial type mistakes. Sometimes actually causing me to stop reading and force me to go back and re-read the sentence. Still, the story was pretty good. Seven Days in May type of feel. Fortunately for me I have many more Mayer thrillers to look forward to.
August 24, 2019
Oft written storyline of the military planning a coup against a sitting president. Mayer keeps this one interesting with his knowledge of West Point and other military history. Then as the end game moves along, some very interesting twists keeping the reader guessing.
Worth the read for those who like military and/or political thrillers.
Worth the read for those who like military and/or political thrillers.
July 4, 2018
Good read
While the premise when first written might sound far-fetched it doesn't take much to be part of a conspiracy. There are a few typos they can sometimes distract but not enough to ruin the story.
While the premise when first written might sound far-fetched it doesn't take much to be part of a conspiracy. There are a few typos they can sometimes distract but not enough to ruin the story.
February 25, 2018
This is the first book in this series. Its a stand alone book. Its also the first book I've read of this author.
This is set in what some people call upstate NY in and around West Point, NY. If you can imagine it, its basically 1/2 between NYC and NY's capital Albany. Around this area was made famous due to George Washington and the Civil War.
Anyhow, the story revolves around the secret society called The Line. The Line came from the grey line which was the soldiers who completed their training at West Point Military Academy. The people who came up with the concept, looked at the students and selected who they wanted very carefully. This started back in the 1920s. The people who were chosen believed they were doing the wishes of the government instead of the a small corrupt group. However, during the Vietnam War, some of the soldiers figured out about this line, but were unsure. They couldn't go to anyone because they had no proof. However, one guy, found some proof, and was able to keep them controlled. Until someone started to aim and control a few front line soldiers into doing something that was so wrong, but again they thought they were doing what the government wanted. One of them decided what happened was so wrong because he knew one of those guys who was killed. However, the line didn't want him speaking up, so they decided to punish him and sending back to the US and stick him behind a desk.
He knows someone who lives in Hawaii, and calls her. They've been friends since they both were in West Point. He was ahead of her and helped her out over the years. She admits she would have never finished if it wasn't for him. Over the years, they've met up here and there. The last time they saw each other they started to sleep together - once. This would be the first time seeing each other since then. However, when he arrives and reports in, he knows something's not right. Further, when he meets up with his friend, she invites him to stay with her off base. She's decided to rent out a house which is plenty enough for them both. She's in Hawaii due to her reporting one of her superiors for a sexual advance and she was marked as a trouble maker and shipped here. During that night, her house was broken into and she started to be followed. Shortly after they tried to kill her, our hero and one of his friends. They knew they were onto something.
As time goes on, they find there are plots out to not only kill them but possibly the president and the vice president - or anyone else who they think is standing in The Line's way of controlling the government. They've done it before and will continue to do it. However, our hero and his friends are determined to return the government back to not being controlled by this group. They uncover the proof they need and need to get it released to the public without being stopped or killed in the process. The story takes you around the area and describes it pretty well. Will be able to stop The Line or will they, too, be taken out?
First I have to say, I was shocked when I was reading this to come across how well the author describes West Point and its area. I was born at West Point Military hospital, and lived in the area until about 20 years ago. I was shocked when the author mentions 9W and Stewart Airport (which has just been approved with a name change). It made me eager to read even more of the book.
This being said, the plot was good and action packed. There were surprises galore within the storyline. However, it jumped from person and situation to situation very sporadically. I had a hard time following the story at first because of the hopping between places, situations and even times - one minute you were in the 1920s and the next in the 1990s.
Overall not bad, but the author needs to let the reader know where they are in the story and timelines.
This is set in what some people call upstate NY in and around West Point, NY. If you can imagine it, its basically 1/2 between NYC and NY's capital Albany. Around this area was made famous due to George Washington and the Civil War.
Anyhow, the story revolves around the secret society called The Line. The Line came from the grey line which was the soldiers who completed their training at West Point Military Academy. The people who came up with the concept, looked at the students and selected who they wanted very carefully. This started back in the 1920s. The people who were chosen believed they were doing the wishes of the government instead of the a small corrupt group. However, during the Vietnam War, some of the soldiers figured out about this line, but were unsure. They couldn't go to anyone because they had no proof. However, one guy, found some proof, and was able to keep them controlled. Until someone started to aim and control a few front line soldiers into doing something that was so wrong, but again they thought they were doing what the government wanted. One of them decided what happened was so wrong because he knew one of those guys who was killed. However, the line didn't want him speaking up, so they decided to punish him and sending back to the US and stick him behind a desk.
He knows someone who lives in Hawaii, and calls her. They've been friends since they both were in West Point. He was ahead of her and helped her out over the years. She admits she would have never finished if it wasn't for him. Over the years, they've met up here and there. The last time they saw each other they started to sleep together - once. This would be the first time seeing each other since then. However, when he arrives and reports in, he knows something's not right. Further, when he meets up with his friend, she invites him to stay with her off base. She's decided to rent out a house which is plenty enough for them both. She's in Hawaii due to her reporting one of her superiors for a sexual advance and she was marked as a trouble maker and shipped here. During that night, her house was broken into and she started to be followed. Shortly after they tried to kill her, our hero and one of his friends. They knew they were onto something.
As time goes on, they find there are plots out to not only kill them but possibly the president and the vice president - or anyone else who they think is standing in The Line's way of controlling the government. They've done it before and will continue to do it. However, our hero and his friends are determined to return the government back to not being controlled by this group. They uncover the proof they need and need to get it released to the public without being stopped or killed in the process. The story takes you around the area and describes it pretty well. Will be able to stop The Line or will they, too, be taken out?
First I have to say, I was shocked when I was reading this to come across how well the author describes West Point and its area. I was born at West Point Military hospital, and lived in the area until about 20 years ago. I was shocked when the author mentions 9W and Stewart Airport (which has just been approved with a name change). It made me eager to read even more of the book.
This being said, the plot was good and action packed. There were surprises galore within the storyline. However, it jumped from person and situation to situation very sporadically. I had a hard time following the story at first because of the hopping between places, situations and even times - one minute you were in the 1920s and the next in the 1990s.
Overall not bad, but the author needs to let the reader know where they are in the story and timelines.
December 11, 2017
Intriguing concept and really high profile for today and these times we are living. Anything goes seems to be the way of it. This story is all the more plausible for those reasons. I really got into the characters. Liked them and some not so much. There are villains to be sure. It's an edge of the seat atmosphere all the way through. I was amazed at the wealth of information about the military and how things operate. It must really take a special kind of person to adapt to that way of life.
I want to say that this story should make you think. There is more there than a story. Some of the characters engage in soul searching about what they face in the role they are playing. For me, it went deep. I was in sympathy for the challenges that had to be faced at a moments notice. Strength abounds in those conditions and sink or swim is the order of the day. I gained added respect for those who serve our country. I believe we must always keep them in our hearts and offer our gratitude in all ways possible.
Thank you Bob Mayer for this insightful novel. I absolutely loved the way you handled the ending. I look forward to reading more of your craft.
I want to say that this story should make you think. There is more there than a story. Some of the characters engage in soul searching about what they face in the role they are playing. For me, it went deep. I was in sympathy for the challenges that had to be faced at a moments notice. Strength abounds in those conditions and sink or swim is the order of the day. I gained added respect for those who serve our country. I believe we must always keep them in our hearts and offer our gratitude in all ways possible.
Thank you Bob Mayer for this insightful novel. I absolutely loved the way you handled the ending. I look forward to reading more of your craft.
April 20, 2018
Don't read unless you are looking for SciFi Book
i don't understand how an author as experienced as Bob Mayer is could make this big a mistake. that is unless he lives on a different planet than i do. On the planet Earth I live on the planet rotates east to West; on Mr Mayer is turns West to East i guess. how else can you explain the following quote from his book, ""The men had broken into her house on Thursday morning, Hawaii time. That equaled early Wednesday evening East Coast time."" while this book is Fiction this mistake is more than i'm willing to accept.
i don't understand how an author as experienced as Bob Mayer is could make this big a mistake. that is unless he lives on a different planet than i do. On the planet Earth I live on the planet rotates east to West; on Mr Mayer is turns West to East i guess. how else can you explain the following quote from his book, ""The men had broken into her house on Thursday morning, Hawaii time. That equaled early Wednesday evening East Coast time."" while this book is Fiction this mistake is more than i'm willing to accept.
July 18, 2017
Totally believable take on an alternative history of American senior forces .. West pointers manipulating outcomes from WW2 through every engagement since that time AND dealing with those in positions of power who could interfere with their long term goals - the continuation of war and the constant honing of American troops! Very edge of the seat stuff - trying to figure out who was a baddie or a goodie! Well done 👍
December 30, 2020
Not everyone can be a hero. Someone had to sit on the curb and clap when they go by.
As a graduate of West Point as well, this book is not as far fetched as some might think. The adage, "Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely," still rings incredibly true.
A good read, as accurate as I remember things from my rockbound highland home experience.
An action thriller that will make you think...and perhaps rethink the military's disdain for civilian control.
As a graduate of West Point as well, this book is not as far fetched as some might think. The adage, "Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely," still rings incredibly true.
A good read, as accurate as I remember things from my rockbound highland home experience.
An action thriller that will make you think...and perhaps rethink the military's disdain for civilian control.
September 24, 2017
Scary
In this day and age it is extremely difficult to determine what is believable and what is not. I do think that there is a lot world wide conspiracies.
In this day and age it is extremely difficult to determine what is believable and what is not. I do think that there is a lot world wide conspiracies.
November 13, 2017
Very sophomoric poor man's Tom Clancy
January 3, 2018
I liked it at the time, not much into the genre nowadays.
May 10, 2018
Exciting book
While the story was a little far fetched. It was exciting, interestering, and fast paced. The characters were interesting and we'll firmed.
While the story was a little far fetched. It was exciting, interestering, and fast paced. The characters were interesting and we'll firmed.
July 22, 2020
Great
This was a really Great Book. I really enjoyed reading it. I found it hard to put down. I have already downloaded Book 2 The Gate.
This was a really Great Book. I really enjoyed reading it. I found it hard to put down. I have already downloaded Book 2 The Gate.
September 5, 2020
Great book.
This is one of the best Military books I have read. Could not put it down. I am now a fan of Bob Mayer. Willing be getting more of his books.
This is one of the best Military books I have read. Could not put it down. I am now a fan of Bob Mayer. Willing be getting more of his books.
September 29, 2026
Excellent Read
I thproughly enjoyed this book. the book has strong, but flawed characters. It takes several unexpected twists and turns, It is worth taking the time to read.
I thproughly enjoyed this book. the book has strong, but flawed characters. It takes several unexpected twists and turns, It is worth taking the time to read.
July 4, 2012
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for free from the publishers for an unbiased review.
Summary: Exciting military/conspiracy thriller, well told.
The title:
"Black Ops" is the covert "wet work" that the U.S. conducts without official acknowledgement or sanction.
"The Line" is the long gray line of West Point officers who, according to the book, are disproportionately influential in the top ranks of the U.S. military.
The conspiracy is that a small cadre of officers has been manipulating U.S. foreign and domestic policy and politics for their own ideological ends and self interest.
This is not hard to believe: The U.S. and some European nations are among the very few with a separation of the military and the government; it's much more common (and universally tempting) for military leaders to take a hand in the politics and government of the country they protect. Thus the visceral reaction to Gen. Alexander Haig's 'I am in control' pronouncement after the Reagan shooting.
Hero Boomer Watson and all the supporting characters are likable, and fleshed out with deft personal touches. The third-person narration flows smoothly, moved along by dialog and events rather than exposition.
Author Bob Mayer seems to know his military culture and history, so these and the conspiracy details are convincing. I was astonished to learn that Gen. George Patton really did die unexpectedly (mysteriously?) late in WW II after minor injuries in a car crash!
For hardware fans, there's plenty of exotic weaponry. There's a little love interest, some great locations, and underlying issues such as the excessive harshness of officer training, rivalry between the military branches, the especially contentious place of special forces, the cancerous effect of official secrets, the choice between following orders and obeying your conscience, etc.
Bottom line: I'm glad I read it!
Violence, language.
Summary: Exciting military/conspiracy thriller, well told.
The title:
"Black Ops" is the covert "wet work" that the U.S. conducts without official acknowledgement or sanction.
"The Line" is the long gray line of West Point officers who, according to the book, are disproportionately influential in the top ranks of the U.S. military.
The conspiracy is that a small cadre of officers has been manipulating U.S. foreign and domestic policy and politics for their own ideological ends and self interest.
This is not hard to believe: The U.S. and some European nations are among the very few with a separation of the military and the government; it's much more common (and universally tempting) for military leaders to take a hand in the politics and government of the country they protect. Thus the visceral reaction to Gen. Alexander Haig's 'I am in control' pronouncement after the Reagan shooting.
Hero Boomer Watson and all the supporting characters are likable, and fleshed out with deft personal touches. The third-person narration flows smoothly, moved along by dialog and events rather than exposition.
Author Bob Mayer seems to know his military culture and history, so these and the conspiracy details are convincing. I was astonished to learn that Gen. George Patton really did die unexpectedly (mysteriously?) late in WW II after minor injuries in a car crash!
For hardware fans, there's plenty of exotic weaponry. There's a little love interest, some great locations, and underlying issues such as the excessive harshness of officer training, rivalry between the military branches, the especially contentious place of special forces, the cancerous effect of official secrets, the choice between following orders and obeying your conscience, etc.
Bottom line: I'm glad I read it!
Violence, language.
August 24, 2011
1) I bought this book from amazon for my iPad because I like the subject and it was cheap ($2.99)
2) I got into the story very quickly because the hook was so good. We all don't want the military to run things and would be horrified to think they were pulling the strings in the background.
3) However, it is really cool to experience the horror and read a fictional account of how they were doing it.
4) I was interested to the end and appreciate the effort the author put into making the people and places so realistic.
5) Where has Bob Mayer been? I had NEVER heard of him before. I have read hundreds of books in this genre but feel gipped that I haven't run across this author before.
6) I jumped back on Amazon and now own 5 more of his books
2) I got into the story very quickly because the hook was so good. We all don't want the military to run things and would be horrified to think they were pulling the strings in the background.
3) However, it is really cool to experience the horror and read a fictional account of how they were doing it.
4) I was interested to the end and appreciate the effort the author put into making the people and places so realistic.
5) Where has Bob Mayer been? I had NEVER heard of him before. I have read hundreds of books in this genre but feel gipped that I haven't run across this author before.
6) I jumped back on Amazon and now own 5 more of his books
January 2, 2012
my opinion.....would have rated it five stars but there was superfluous information in the novel that could have and should have been left out and then the novel would have been "could not put down" reading.....just my opinion.....I will read more by this author.....I like his plots
April 19, 2014
Mayer has done it again. Great book about the special people that protect our country and how they feel about that task. Character development kept it interesting and the plot line grew with a few little surprises at the end.
June 29, 2014
A very disturbing view of the military at the highest levels. Disturbing because so much of this fiction could actually be true. If you are a student of history - particularly military history - this is a must read.
October 14, 2014
Very cool, I loved the idea for the novel
the idea of the novel was very cool
and the curves that the author throws in very cool
I really enjoyed the novel more than I thought I would going to explore more of his work
the idea of the novel was very cool
and the curves that the author throws in very cool
I really enjoyed the novel more than I thought I would going to explore more of his work
July 9, 2015
Pretty good military conspiracy novel, from a special ops perspective (based on the author's own experience as a Green Beret). Tom Clancy-like in details, so can get bogged down a bit, but overall a nicely paced and engrossing story.
January 27, 2012
Also a free Kindle ebook. Nice! Story just started into a mysterious action ...
June 27, 2012
This was almost scary. Made me want to dig to find out if any of it was based in fact.
Very well done; gripping suspense.
Very well done; gripping suspense.
July 15, 2012
Excellent book.
October 18, 2012
Well-done, thought-provoking military thriller. Could use some editing to smooth out some choppy parts. Will read more by this author.
January 24, 2013
A fun novel. Very much like a Tom Clancy novel.
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August 1, 2014The line
Very good book to read had some mystery in it I was really surprised by the ending I didn't see it coming. I like this Amazon prime lending library
Very good book to read had some mystery in it I was really surprised by the ending I didn't see it coming. I like this Amazon prime lending library
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews