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Brave New Disorder #1
Gray War
Chris Grant had taken the close protection gig for a finance guy in the States as a break from the last two decades in war zones around the world. When a coordinated attempt is made on the client's life, however, he finds that this job isn't as simple as it seemed.
Things only get more complicated from there.
The Pallas Group Solutions contractors haven't been selected because they'll sit on their hands. As they begin to gather more intelligence, and as the bodies stack up, they discover that there's more to both the client and their own company than meets the eye.
They've plunged into a world of drugs, corruption, foreign influence, and terrorism.
And a secret war that they have no choice but to fight.
Things only get more complicated from there.
The Pallas Group Solutions contractors haven't been selected because they'll sit on their hands. As they begin to gather more intelligence, and as the bodies stack up, they discover that there's more to both the client and their own company than meets the eye.
They've plunged into a world of drugs, corruption, foreign influence, and terrorism.
And a secret war that they have no choice but to fight.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2023
117 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Peter Nealen
73 books107 followersPeter Nealen is a former Recon Marine, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, and something of an aspiring renaissance man (emphasis on aspiring). He has long been a reader of history, philosophy, folklore, science fiction, and fantasy, and is the author of the American Praetorians series of paramilitary thrillers as well as the Jed Horn series of supernatural thrillers.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 21, 2023
Excellent series launch from an author who has became a master craftsman of the genre. This one is something a bit different from Peter Nealen's previous series, although still centering around a team of military veterans turned private contractors. "Brannigan's Blakchearts" is a light, pulpish action series while "American Praetorians" and "Maelstrom Rising" were darker, hardcore, near-future military thrillers. Gray War feels more like a contemporary thriller along the lines of Brad Taylor or Steven Konkoly. There's still plenty of realistic and gritty action scenes, but this time there's a greater emphasis on surveillance, collecting intel, investigation, and unraveling the greater conspiracy. This is a strong and intriguing start to a new series that looks set to explore the confluence of Chinese espionage/influence operations, political corruption, transnational crime, and cartels. If you're fan of this type of genre and haven't read this author's books before, then you really should start ASAP with Gray War.
February 8, 2023
Peter Nealen once again delves into current events, albeit with less extrapolation than is present in his American Praetorians and Maelstrom Rising series, with the first entry of the Brave New Disorder series, Gray War: A Pallas Group Solutions Thriller.
The novel primarily focuses on two contractors for Pallas Group Solutions: Chris, a former Recon Marine; and Nick, a former Green Beret. Both are veterans of the PMC circuit, and have been tasked with protecting a billionaire who has drawn the ire of powerful people by stymying a land deal regarding a ranch in New Mexico. Things rapidly deteriorate as PGS discovers an unholy alliance between foreign adversaries, non-state enterprises, and political opportunists at home, and as the novel reaches its conclusion, it's apparent that the fight is far from over.
As to be expected with a Peter Nealen novel, the action is kinetic and realistic, and the material is well-researched. On a couple of occasions, some of the action reminded me of my own novel, Fault Lines. Seeing that made me feel good about my own writing, since both Nealen and I researched independently for our respective works and reached the same conclusion for how certain events would go down.
The primary American antagonist was slightly reminiscent of the real-life son of a prominent American politician, but it was handled well enough that it did not come across as Nealen shoving his political views down the reader's throat, which I appreciated. Whether I agree or disagree with the political view being presented, I do not like being preached to in my action fiction, and Nealen stays on the right side of the line where many other thriller authors have not.
The material covers a lot of the tenets of unrestricted warfare, and it shows Nealen has done the research. If one reading this review has also done the research, then they will be able to identify an antagonist prior to reading. If they cannot, then it will serve as an introduction to the concept, with promises of more to come.
Once again, Nealen knocks it out of the park and I'm looking forward to the next installment!
The novel primarily focuses on two contractors for Pallas Group Solutions: Chris, a former Recon Marine; and Nick, a former Green Beret. Both are veterans of the PMC circuit, and have been tasked with protecting a billionaire who has drawn the ire of powerful people by stymying a land deal regarding a ranch in New Mexico. Things rapidly deteriorate as PGS discovers an unholy alliance between foreign adversaries, non-state enterprises, and political opportunists at home, and as the novel reaches its conclusion, it's apparent that the fight is far from over.
As to be expected with a Peter Nealen novel, the action is kinetic and realistic, and the material is well-researched. On a couple of occasions, some of the action reminded me of my own novel, Fault Lines. Seeing that made me feel good about my own writing, since both Nealen and I researched independently for our respective works and reached the same conclusion for how certain events would go down.
The primary American antagonist was slightly reminiscent of the real-life son of a prominent American politician, but it was handled well enough that it did not come across as Nealen shoving his political views down the reader's throat, which I appreciated. Whether I agree or disagree with the political view being presented, I do not like being preached to in my action fiction, and Nealen stays on the right side of the line where many other thriller authors have not.
The material covers a lot of the tenets of unrestricted warfare, and it shows Nealen has done the research. If one reading this review has also done the research, then they will be able to identify an antagonist prior to reading. If they cannot, then it will serve as an introduction to the concept, with promises of more to come.
Once again, Nealen knocks it out of the park and I'm looking forward to the next installment!
February 5, 2023
Another great start to a new Battle Series
Excellent shift from his previous battle novel series into the personal security arena, but Peter Nealen stay with the theme of confronting the threats facing us in the present and the near future. It reminds me of his American Praetorians novella flushed out into a full novel.
Let’s hope that there are some real life American Praetorians, Triarii, and Pallas Group Solutions operators waiting in the wings right now.
Excellent shift from his previous battle novel series into the personal security arena, but Peter Nealen stay with the theme of confronting the threats facing us in the present and the near future. It reminds me of his American Praetorians novella flushed out into a full novel.
Let’s hope that there are some real life American Praetorians, Triarii, and Pallas Group Solutions operators waiting in the wings right now.
February 28, 2023
War on home turf
This is an action-packed story almost from the start. The security company, PGS, is hired to guard a billionaire philanthropist who is caught between trying to help a land owner save his property, and getting killed himself. The Chinese are after the farmer’s land because it has lithium on it, and are using a Mexican cartel as firepower to take the land. ENJOY!
This is an action-packed story almost from the start. The security company, PGS, is hired to guard a billionaire philanthropist who is caught between trying to help a land owner save his property, and getting killed himself. The Chinese are after the farmer’s land because it has lithium on it, and are using a Mexican cartel as firepower to take the land. ENJOY!
March 10, 2023
solid story
Action packed, riveting but I kept getting lost between various narrators in story. The author did a better job in his books with Recon Marines in a different reality (highly recommend). This book was a solid read, just a few times that i had to go back and find the trail of the tale.
Nice job! I hope to read the sequel.
Action packed, riveting but I kept getting lost between various narrators in story. The author did a better job in his books with Recon Marines in a different reality (highly recommend). This book was a solid read, just a few times that i had to go back and find the trail of the tale.
Nice job! I hope to read the sequel.
April 13, 2023
Excellent
This is an action thriller that exceeded expectations. Quite enjoyable and visceral. You really do see things through the protagonists eyes. Although fictional, this situation is so plausible it seems like it's based on a true story.
Plenty of action and a look into the lives of ex-military contractors. The story is brilliant.
This is an action thriller that exceeded expectations. Quite enjoyable and visceral. You really do see things through the protagonists eyes. Although fictional, this situation is so plausible it seems like it's based on a true story.
Plenty of action and a look into the lives of ex-military contractors. The story is brilliant.
February 2, 2023
Stellar page turner
Stellar read. I couldn’t put it down. Love the setting, action, and how it all comes together. It really gets under your skin about how ‘current’ sone of these things are.
Stellar read. I couldn’t put it down. Love the setting, action, and how it all comes together. It really gets under your skin about how ‘current’ sone of these things are.
February 9, 2023
Good stuff
This is written in the dead six universe but it's a fresh story. Well written, a little heavy on tactical talk but it's a great read. very fast paced. Looking forward to the next one.
This is written in the dead six universe but it's a fresh story. Well written, a little heavy on tactical talk but it's a great read. very fast paced. Looking forward to the next one.
February 18, 2023
Must read
Great military fiction... however some may say this is a glimpse into America's future. This along with Nealens other books show bot only an alternate future, but a near probable one.
Great military fiction... however some may say this is a glimpse into America's future. This along with Nealens other books show bot only an alternate future, but a near probable one.
February 18, 2023
Loved this novel
I absolutely loved this novel. The action is crisp, the characters have a real edge and the primise strikes close to home. Chris and the guys of PGS feel real to anyone that has spent time with veterans or have had family in service.
I absolutely loved this novel. The action is crisp, the characters have a real edge and the primise strikes close to home. Chris and the guys of PGS feel real to anyone that has spent time with veterans or have had family in service.
July 15, 2023
Constant action
Action happening, post happening, or planning on happening-- never lets up. Looked at author's comments at the end and he has several series of books that set up a context for this book. More reading to go!
Action happening, post happening, or planning on happening-- never lets up. Looked at author's comments at the end and he has several series of books that set up a context for this book. More reading to go!
December 24, 2023
First Nealen book, won't be the last
Outstanding read, could not put it down. Non-stop action from the start. Did not see errors in Tech areas not editting. One has to look a long time to find a better book or author!
Outstanding read, could not put it down. Non-stop action from the start. Did not see errors in Tech areas not editting. One has to look a long time to find a better book or author!
October 7, 2024
It's a pretty decent action book, to be honest. It's better than I thought it'd be. Yeah, it has some of the cliches a lot of military fiction has, but it was an enjoyable, fast read. Will definitely continue the series.
February 17, 2023
Great new series
If you like milfic you will like this one. The action starts right away and goes all the way to the end.
If you like milfic you will like this one. The action starts right away and goes all the way to the end.
March 4, 2023
Delaware senator?
So far, the story is not only good, but very plausible. In fact, very close to what went down between some ranchers and the sitting vice president.
So far, the story is not only good, but very plausible. In fact, very close to what went down between some ranchers and the sitting vice president.
March 19, 2023
Hard hitting action from page 1
The hits start early and don’t stop all the way through!!!! Amazing storytelling and accurate portrayals make this a must read series.
The hits start early and don’t stop all the way through!!!! Amazing storytelling and accurate portrayals make this a must read series.
April 14, 2023
Good Book
This is. Really Good Book in the Pallas Group Solutions Thriller Series. I found it easy to follow. I will be downloading Book 2 shortly.
This is. Really Good Book in the Pallas Group Solutions Thriller Series. I found it easy to follow. I will be downloading Book 2 shortly.
April 30, 2023
This sort of story is beginning to look like real life.
June 9, 2023
great storyline
This one is a doozy! So up to date on what’s currently happening!
Great read and so on point with current events on the border
This one is a doozy! So up to date on what’s currently happening!
Great read and so on point with current events on the border
August 23, 2023
Action!!!
Non stop action and a great plot! I can't wait to read the next book in the series. My new favorite series.
Non stop action and a great plot! I can't wait to read the next book in the series. My new favorite series.
August 24, 2023
Outstanding!
A thrill from cover to cover. I barely put it down. I stayed up till 4 in the morning so that I could finish it! Gonna roll right into book 2!
A thrill from cover to cover. I barely put it down. I stayed up till 4 in the morning so that I could finish it! Gonna roll right into book 2!
September 9, 2023
close to home
Living in AZ, so much of what happens on the southern border in this book is an every day occurrence. And the parallels to real life persons is eerie.
Living in AZ, so much of what happens on the southern border in this book is an every day occurrence. And the parallels to real life persons is eerie.
September 9, 2023
Extremely well written action novel. Great narrator.
November 16, 2023
Great read!
Tons of action happening in this book! If you like a lot of shooting going on around your fave characters, get this. Headed out for no. 2!
Tons of action happening in this book! If you like a lot of shooting going on around your fave characters, get this. Headed out for no. 2!
November 27, 2023
Entertaining
It was entertaining and I’ll be reading the next in the series. My only complaint is that the slate of supporting characters are hard to keep track of.
It was entertaining and I’ll be reading the next in the series. My only complaint is that the slate of supporting characters are hard to keep track of.
February 10, 2023
Great premise
Excellent read as are all of Nealen’s books.
The war is coming and this is what folks are going to be dealing with.
Excellent read as are all of Nealen’s books.
The war is coming and this is what folks are going to be dealing with.
May 30, 2023
Gray war was a definite page turner!
PGS is definitely an interesting group. Although the most of it is fiction there are some points of reality in the group. The book definitely lets your mind wonder.
PGS is definitely an interesting group. Although the most of it is fiction there are some points of reality in the group. The book definitely lets your mind wonder.
April 11, 2023
Not a genre -- modern paramilitary action -- which I often read. Picked up the book via recommendation by a friend. Glad I did. Rings all too believable for comfort. I found it hard to put down.
April 2, 2023
a strong start
This kicked fourth point of contact. A strong start to a new and seemingly awesome series from the ever prophetic Peter Nealen. Each series like this that he writes hits too close to reality, and reality too close to his fiction.
And yes, Hunter Biden is absolutely capable of doing something this evil. Oh wait, I mean…
This kicked fourth point of contact. A strong start to a new and seemingly awesome series from the ever prophetic Peter Nealen. Each series like this that he writes hits too close to reality, and reality too close to his fiction.
And yes, Hunter Biden is absolutely capable of doing something this evil. Oh wait, I mean…
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews