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Battalion
The world of the future is short of oil and riven by strife. Scott Pierce is hunting a man known as the Spider - a man intent on destroying the foundations of American democracy. Pierce discovers a terrifying plot to strike at the institutions that safeguard the United States. The Spider has audacious plans to plunge America into anarchy. Isolated, hunted and facing impossible odds, Pierce races to prevent the unfolding attack.
- GenresThriller
240 pages, Paperback
First published February 16, 2010
12 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Adam Hamdy
35 books341 followersI'm a Sunday Times and international bestselling author and screenwriter.
I write topical, thought-provoking novels that aim to entertain, and I love lived research, so the events in my books are often inspired by real events.
Before I became a professional writer I was a strategy consultant and advised global businesses in a variety of sectors. I co-founded Capital Crime and am now on the advisory board. I'm also on the board of ITW. I enjoy rock climbing, skiing, sailing and competitive shooting.
I live in Mauritius with my wife and our three children.
I write topical, thought-provoking novels that aim to entertain, and I love lived research, so the events in my books are often inspired by real events.
Before I became a professional writer I was a strategy consultant and advised global businesses in a variety of sectors. I co-founded Capital Crime and am now on the advisory board. I'm also on the board of ITW. I enjoy rock climbing, skiing, sailing and competitive shooting.
I live in Mauritius with my wife and our three children.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 20, 2015
NOTE: I RECEIVED THIS BOOK FROM GOODREADS FIRST READS IN RETURN FOR A HONEST REVIEW
Unfortunately for me I could not get into this book at all. I have reread the first few chapters over and over again and I just didn't understand it. Maybe the topic was not a particular interest to me, but I couldn't get past the first few chapters as it didn't capture my interest
Unfortunately for me I could not get into this book at all. I have reread the first few chapters over and over again and I just didn't understand it. Maybe the topic was not a particular interest to me, but I couldn't get past the first few chapters as it didn't capture my interest
November 8, 2012
When it comes to military stories, I have never been the first one to pick it up and declare it an exceptional read. As devastating as my father would consider this, I have never read a single Tom Clancy book in my life (My father is a fan). So, I might have been the wrong person to review this book, but I am willing to read any book that comes my way with an open mind.
That being said, BATTALION by Adam Hamdy is set in the future and the world has a limited supply of oil, but war is abundant. Agent Scott Pierce is hunting down a terrorist called the Spider (Original name, huh?) who is intent on destroying the United States of America.
It is a plot that has been seen time and time again -- whether it is set in the future or not. The ol' Terrorism vs. America story. I am familiar with this story, as most people are. You do not even have to be American to know this story. So, the plot did not do much to intrigue me. Another thing -- Spider. Every time I saw the name, I kept thinking of the movie "True Lies" with Arnold Schwarzenegger. There's a scene where the good guys are talking about the latest threat -- the main villain -- and they mention he is called the Sand Spider. Big boss man asks, "Why?"
"Probably because it sounds scary," is the reply.
That was a hurdle that could not be overcome. This was another aspect of Hamdy's book that has been used time and time again.
My biggest complaint with the novel is the way it is written. Books are not meant to be written as though you are watching a movie. Each chapter has numerous scene jumps, much like a movie. Some scenes are only a few sentences long and then it takes another leap to a much longer scene. Either way, it is confusing and I ended up getting lost numerous times. I could not lock onto one character or one situation well enough to really get a feel for this book.
As an aspiring author, I do not want to dash anyone's hopes, but I think Hamdy needs to come up with more original ideas. 1 out of 5 stars.
That being said, BATTALION by Adam Hamdy is set in the future and the world has a limited supply of oil, but war is abundant. Agent Scott Pierce is hunting down a terrorist called the Spider (Original name, huh?) who is intent on destroying the United States of America.
It is a plot that has been seen time and time again -- whether it is set in the future or not. The ol' Terrorism vs. America story. I am familiar with this story, as most people are. You do not even have to be American to know this story. So, the plot did not do much to intrigue me. Another thing -- Spider. Every time I saw the name, I kept thinking of the movie "True Lies" with Arnold Schwarzenegger. There's a scene where the good guys are talking about the latest threat -- the main villain -- and they mention he is called the Sand Spider. Big boss man asks, "Why?"
"Probably because it sounds scary," is the reply.
That was a hurdle that could not be overcome. This was another aspect of Hamdy's book that has been used time and time again.
My biggest complaint with the novel is the way it is written. Books are not meant to be written as though you are watching a movie. Each chapter has numerous scene jumps, much like a movie. Some scenes are only a few sentences long and then it takes another leap to a much longer scene. Either way, it is confusing and I ended up getting lost numerous times. I could not lock onto one character or one situation well enough to really get a feel for this book.
As an aspiring author, I do not want to dash anyone's hopes, but I think Hamdy needs to come up with more original ideas. 1 out of 5 stars.
January 28, 2013
I don't remember when I actually picked Battalion up, or what prompted me to do so. It drifted down my Kindle screen for quite some time before I finally opened it up and started reading. And, about 15 minutes later, closed it. The hook didn't hook me. In fact I had a sinking feeling I had been down this whole road before.
But I have already pointed out that I want to start reading more and I won't do that if I don't keep reading. So I went back to Battalion and started where I left off.
In truth, part of the story struck painfully trope, but in a way this helped. The characters fit into familiar roles and the story moved with near constant action. The constant action meant there wasn't time for the characters to develop, though there was time for the expected self doubts along the way.
I am not making this book sound that great. In fact this might be reading much worse than I intended. Let me sort of start over.
Battalion is a fast moving, action packed novel that started by moving and doesn't let up all the way through to the epilogue. Like an action move, the character fit expected roles. The plot, not overly complex and centered on the conflict between the main character and the head of a terrorist organization, doesn't pause long enough for you to wonder about it.
The setting is definitely my favorite part of the novel. A dystopian near future that feels like it might be right around the corner. It was not a comfortable feeling, and carried undertones of deeper questions regarding safety - what we as a society will do to feel safe and how safe that actually makes up. It did in in an extremely neutral way, which is impressive.
Of course, you don't have to consider what else the novel is trying to say other than chases, gun fights, some tech, and explosions are fun. And they are.
But I have already pointed out that I want to start reading more and I won't do that if I don't keep reading. So I went back to Battalion and started where I left off.
In truth, part of the story struck painfully trope, but in a way this helped. The characters fit into familiar roles and the story moved with near constant action. The constant action meant there wasn't time for the characters to develop, though there was time for the expected self doubts along the way.
I am not making this book sound that great. In fact this might be reading much worse than I intended. Let me sort of start over.
Battalion is a fast moving, action packed novel that started by moving and doesn't let up all the way through to the epilogue. Like an action move, the character fit expected roles. The plot, not overly complex and centered on the conflict between the main character and the head of a terrorist organization, doesn't pause long enough for you to wonder about it.
The setting is definitely my favorite part of the novel. A dystopian near future that feels like it might be right around the corner. It was not a comfortable feeling, and carried undertones of deeper questions regarding safety - what we as a society will do to feel safe and how safe that actually makes up. It did in in an extremely neutral way, which is impressive.
Of course, you don't have to consider what else the novel is trying to say other than chases, gun fights, some tech, and explosions are fun. And they are.
November 16, 2012
I do love history and espionage stories, so this book was right up my alley! This novel, Battalion, by author Adam Hamdy offers up a fast paced story with well defined characters – and there are quite a few of them!
The book centers around Scott Pierce, a man that is trying to stop the downfall of democracy and prevent anarchy in the US. He is hunting a man that goes by the name Spider who is the mastermind of this downfall.
As the story begins, we are 20 twenty years into the future and as current experts have agreed is quite possible, we are extremely short on oil, we have energy shortages, mercenaries are running security in some cities and terrorism is running rampant.
The FBI and CIA are no in existence, but Pierce, a member of the FSA, has made it his goal to catch the Spider. Not only to stop the huge terrorist plot he is planning against the US, but the Spider was responsible for a bombing that killed his wife – and he is dead set on making sure the Spider dies.
I really enjoyed this novel and unlike some, I was pulled in after the first page. If you enjoy spy-type stories with a bit of reality mixed in, I think you will really enjoy it too!
The book centers around Scott Pierce, a man that is trying to stop the downfall of democracy and prevent anarchy in the US. He is hunting a man that goes by the name Spider who is the mastermind of this downfall.
As the story begins, we are 20 twenty years into the future and as current experts have agreed is quite possible, we are extremely short on oil, we have energy shortages, mercenaries are running security in some cities and terrorism is running rampant.
The FBI and CIA are no in existence, but Pierce, a member of the FSA, has made it his goal to catch the Spider. Not only to stop the huge terrorist plot he is planning against the US, but the Spider was responsible for a bombing that killed his wife – and he is dead set on making sure the Spider dies.
I really enjoyed this novel and unlike some, I was pulled in after the first page. If you enjoy spy-type stories with a bit of reality mixed in, I think you will really enjoy it too!
December 4, 2012
I recently finished Battalion by Adam Hamdy. I love faced paced books that grab me from the beginning and do not let go. Battalion is just one of those books. This action adventure book featuring history and espionage is written like you are watching a movie, which is hard to do.
Scott Pierce, who was a member of the FSA, Federal Security Agency, which is a combination of the CIA and FBI in the future. He is hell-bent on revenge after losing his wife and wants revenge. He is searching for the leader of the terrorist group to stop the destruction of democracy.
The characters are very well written and are fully brought to life in the story. And with the story written as a movie, the scenery is also bright and creative. You can actually feel the scene developing around you.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys spy and espionage books.
Scott Pierce, who was a member of the FSA, Federal Security Agency, which is a combination of the CIA and FBI in the future. He is hell-bent on revenge after losing his wife and wants revenge. He is searching for the leader of the terrorist group to stop the destruction of democracy.
The characters are very well written and are fully brought to life in the story. And with the story written as a movie, the scenery is also bright and creative. You can actually feel the scene developing around you.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys spy and espionage books.
November 22, 2012
Have to say, this is a really good book about a futuristic America where natural resources are at a low. As far as the quality of content is concerned, this is right up there with Sum of all Fears
When I first started reading this, I had no idea what to expect considering that I have never heard of this author and I picked up this book on a whim when I browsing some kindle books. But before I knew it, I couldn't put my kindle down. The story kept moving and the characters are more than believable. I understand the author’s writing style and I really connected with it.
Great book and I will be keeping an eye on Adam to see what other books he comes out with.
Highly recommended!
When I first started reading this, I had no idea what to expect considering that I have never heard of this author and I picked up this book on a whim when I browsing some kindle books. But before I knew it, I couldn't put my kindle down. The story kept moving and the characters are more than believable. I understand the author’s writing style and I really connected with it.
Great book and I will be keeping an eye on Adam to see what other books he comes out with.
Highly recommended!
April 22, 2013
The concept of a struggling America in the near future faced with constant terror attacks and private contractors having to do security while a "lone gun" must stay alive on the run to hunt down a terrorist mastermind certainly intrigues me and I am glad I won a free copy from a giveaway from this site. Even better, it was autographed. Luckily I enjoyed it and 'ate it up' that I plan on keeping it. A fun and exciting read that had some twists and turns I did not quite expect and again, a good concept. Will there be more of Agent Scott Pierce?
October 12, 2012
Battalion is a fasted paced action novel about a future that could really happen. Adam Hamdy uses detailed knowledge about security and world affairs to make seem even more realistic. The character the Spider plays as a perfect foil to the protagonist Scott Pierce. If you're looking for a good read I'd definitely recommend checking out Battalion.
November 18, 2012
This genre isn't my usual preference yet I immensely enjoyed Battalion. There's not a dull moment in this book, not even on the very last page. This reads like a movie and is full of excitement. This seems like a book that would reach young men, especially those interested in conspiracy theories and global destruction!
I received this book to review. These opinions are 100% mine.
I received this book to review. These opinions are 100% mine.
February 15, 2013
Die Hard in the near future. An American agent who just can't be killed, a dastardly plot to destroy the US, corruption in high places, lots of explosions, a massive bodycount ... Well written, but it could use a little more nuance, and the author keeps on introducing new characters right up to the closing pages. Most of them get killed off pretty quickly, though, so it is possible to keep up.
July 22, 2013
action from start to finish
December 12, 2013
A difficult and sometimes frustrating read but ultimately worth it. The author creates a convincing alternative view of the future.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews