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Nick Stone #9
Recoil
Recuperating in Switzerland after a job that cost the life of one of his closest friends, ex-special forces soldier and deniable operator Nick Stone has only one thing on his the girl who left his bed this morning without saying goodbye. And when she fails to reappear, Nick knows the honeymoon is over before it has even begun.
Her trail leads him to Africa, and the deep end of a very dirty Congo war — where it isn’t long before the past comes knocking at his door, and Stone finds himself catapulted once more into the dark and brutal world he’d tried to leave behind.
As one bloody twist leads to another, his apparently simple quest becomes a journey to the heart of a chilling conspiracy, to which he and his beautiful quarry unwittingly hold the key…
Her trail leads him to Africa, and the deep end of a very dirty Congo war — where it isn’t long before the past comes knocking at his door, and Stone finds himself catapulted once more into the dark and brutal world he’d tried to leave behind.
As one bloody twist leads to another, his apparently simple quest becomes a journey to the heart of a chilling conspiracy, to which he and his beautiful quarry unwittingly hold the key…
528 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2007
143 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
About the author
Andy McNab
205 books1,167 followersAndy McNab joined the infantry in 1976 as a boy soldier. In 1984 he was badged as a member of 22 SAS Regiment. He served in B Squadron 22 SAS for ten years and worked on both covert and overt special operations worldwide, including anti-terrorist and anti-drug operations in the Middle and Far East, South and Central America and Northern Ireland.
Trained as a specialist in counter terrorism, prime target elimination, demolitions, weapons and tactics, covert surveillance and information gathering in hostile environments, and VIP protection, McNab worked on cooperative operations with police forces, prison services, anti-drug forces and western backed guerrilla movements as well as on conventional special operations. In Northern Ireland he spent two years working as an undercover operator with 14th Intelligence Group, going on to become an instructor.
McNab also worked as an instructor on the SAS selection and training team and instructed foreign special forces in counter terrorism, hostage rescue and survival training.
Andy McNab has written about his experiences in the SAS in two bestselling books, Bravo Two Zero (1993) and Immediate Action (1995). Bravo Two Zero is the highest selling war book of all time and has sold over 1.7 million copies in the UK. To date it has been published in 17 countries and translated into 16 languages. The CD spoken word version of Bravo Two Zero, narrated by McNab, sold over 60,000 copies and earned a silver disc. The BBC's film of Bravo Two Zero, starring Sean Bean, was shown on primetime BBC 1 television in 1999 and released on DVD in 2000.
Immediate Action, McNab's autobiography, spent 18 weeks at the top of the bestseller lists following the lifting on an ex-parte injunction granted to the Ministry of Defence in September 1995. To date, Immediate Action has now sold over 1.4 million copies in the UK.
McNab is the author of seven fast action thrillers, highly acclaimed for their authenticity and all Sunday Times bestsellers. Published in 1997, Remote Control was hailed as the most authentic thriller ever written and has sold over half a million copies in the UK. McNab's subsequent thrillers, Crisis Four, Firewall, Last Light , Liberation Day , Dark Winter , Deep Black and Aggressor have all gone on to sell equally well. The central character in all the books is Nick Stone, a tough ex-SAS operative working as a 'K' on deniable operations for British Intelligence.
McNab's fiction draws extensively on his experiences and knowledge of Special Forces soldiering. He has been officially registered by Neilsen Bookscan as the bestselling British thriller writer of the last year.
Trained as a specialist in counter terrorism, prime target elimination, demolitions, weapons and tactics, covert surveillance and information gathering in hostile environments, and VIP protection, McNab worked on cooperative operations with police forces, prison services, anti-drug forces and western backed guerrilla movements as well as on conventional special operations. In Northern Ireland he spent two years working as an undercover operator with 14th Intelligence Group, going on to become an instructor.
McNab also worked as an instructor on the SAS selection and training team and instructed foreign special forces in counter terrorism, hostage rescue and survival training.
Andy McNab has written about his experiences in the SAS in two bestselling books, Bravo Two Zero (1993) and Immediate Action (1995). Bravo Two Zero is the highest selling war book of all time and has sold over 1.7 million copies in the UK. To date it has been published in 17 countries and translated into 16 languages. The CD spoken word version of Bravo Two Zero, narrated by McNab, sold over 60,000 copies and earned a silver disc. The BBC's film of Bravo Two Zero, starring Sean Bean, was shown on primetime BBC 1 television in 1999 and released on DVD in 2000.
Immediate Action, McNab's autobiography, spent 18 weeks at the top of the bestseller lists following the lifting on an ex-parte injunction granted to the Ministry of Defence in September 1995. To date, Immediate Action has now sold over 1.4 million copies in the UK.
McNab is the author of seven fast action thrillers, highly acclaimed for their authenticity and all Sunday Times bestsellers. Published in 1997, Remote Control was hailed as the most authentic thriller ever written and has sold over half a million copies in the UK. McNab's subsequent thrillers, Crisis Four, Firewall, Last Light , Liberation Day , Dark Winter , Deep Black and Aggressor have all gone on to sell equally well. The central character in all the books is Nick Stone, a tough ex-SAS operative working as a 'K' on deniable operations for British Intelligence.
McNab's fiction draws extensively on his experiences and knowledge of Special Forces soldiering. He has been officially registered by Neilsen Bookscan as the bestselling British thriller writer of the last year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 18, 2016
Just when you think he can't get any better McNab pulls out a masterpiece that is only eclipsed by his first novel. His gift is his ability to bring to life these very real world scenarios. With the James Bonds, Jack Reatchers, and Jason Bournes of this literary world everything is very much larger than life with super villians and Hollywood explosions. McNab pulls on his first hand SAS experience to tell stories about events that actually can and do happen.
This time our hapless hero Nick Stone finds himself in central Africa, in the D.R.C., trying to bring his girlfriend back home. The story focuses on, what we can believe as outsiders, what must be the reality of life around the mines of that region. McNab doesn't shy away from the brutal reality of underage girls being kidnapped, raped, and sold in to slavery, while their underage brothers are brainwashed and forced to kill in the name of the LRA.
The last couple of scenes are a little bit of a damp squib - deus ex machina. But that shouldn't be held against what is otherwise a very well written, high quality, page turner of a book.
This time our hapless hero Nick Stone finds himself in central Africa, in the D.R.C., trying to bring his girlfriend back home. The story focuses on, what we can believe as outsiders, what must be the reality of life around the mines of that region. McNab doesn't shy away from the brutal reality of underage girls being kidnapped, raped, and sold in to slavery, while their underage brothers are brainwashed and forced to kill in the name of the LRA.
The last couple of scenes are a little bit of a damp squib - deus ex machina. But that shouldn't be held against what is otherwise a very well written, high quality, page turner of a book.
July 25, 2011
Got bored out of my wits.
September 8, 2017
My attention was drawn by the story about Nick's love interest leaving without telling him. But the detailed drama that unfolded in the Congo where the truth about how money rules and the lives of even children mean nothing other than a means to an end keep me turning the pages. There are those who are prepared to put their lives at risk for those that are being abused and Nick's new lady is one of them.
March 23, 2021
Nick Stone fall in love and walked into a war zone
Nick Stone was at a war zone doing a job. When shit hits the fans, the CO walked out and left some of the team mates behind.
Now he quit his job and travelling in Australia. Meeting a woman he loves and want to pop the question. Only she was running away into a war zone to be a doctor.
It was a mine and there was lot of money involved. The on-going fights involved the use of child soldiers. Nick was protective of children, and so was his former team mate Sam.
Now when he finds out his lover went to a dangerous place, he follows her.
Thanks goodness this is not a romantic novel. As there is nothing sexy or even kisses involved in this one. No relationship talk or such thing.
It was dirty, muddy and I could only imagine how the air or the person smell light after a few days with little water to drink, meaning no water for washing.
There is a lot of action involving guns and explosive. It is very satisfying that his guilt of not able to save a child earlier on get a second chance of having this child survived. The bad guys are the greedy persons with no regards to human lives. That's make all the different in a complicated situation involved that much guns and chaos.
Fun read.
Nick Stone was at a war zone doing a job. When shit hits the fans, the CO walked out and left some of the team mates behind.
Now he quit his job and travelling in Australia. Meeting a woman he loves and want to pop the question. Only she was running away into a war zone to be a doctor.
It was a mine and there was lot of money involved. The on-going fights involved the use of child soldiers. Nick was protective of children, and so was his former team mate Sam.
Now when he finds out his lover went to a dangerous place, he follows her.
Thanks goodness this is not a romantic novel. As there is nothing sexy or even kisses involved in this one. No relationship talk or such thing.
It was dirty, muddy and I could only imagine how the air or the person smell light after a few days with little water to drink, meaning no water for washing.
There is a lot of action involving guns and explosive. It is very satisfying that his guilt of not able to save a child earlier on get a second chance of having this child survived. The bad guys are the greedy persons with no regards to human lives. That's make all the different in a complicated situation involved that much guns and chaos.
Fun read.
October 3, 2023
I have persevered with reading the Nick Stone books. I occasionally come across one I enjoy, but this is not one of them.
Initially I thought it would have a good story to it but that soon faded. It then became a description of 'beating the bad guys' using all the military know how that they had between them. Not much of a story around what they were defending and why. The main character is just one I cannot feel anything for. In real life he is not someone I would warm to. Certainly not in this outing.
The ending was a very damp squib but at least the bad guys got it in the end.
I have one more book left to read that I have bought - after that these will be off my list unless the next book is really good.
Initially I thought it would have a good story to it but that soon faded. It then became a description of 'beating the bad guys' using all the military know how that they had between them. Not much of a story around what they were defending and why. The main character is just one I cannot feel anything for. In real life he is not someone I would warm to. Certainly not in this outing.
The ending was a very damp squib but at least the bad guys got it in the end.
I have one more book left to read that I have bought - after that these will be off my list unless the next book is really good.
January 9, 2026
Confusing and as a result, very dull. I read the early Stone thrillers when they came out in the early 2000s and loved them up until this one which I gave up on back in 2006. Recently thought I’d give it a second attempt and soon realised why I’d binned it 20 years ago. Weak setup, ambiguous characters, unknown motivations but crucially complete lack of plot. Endless description of some kind of days long fire fight in the jungle (over what I wasn’t sure) where situationally it’s never clear exactly where anybody is so it just ends up being utterly perplexing as to what’s happening. Tedious. I’d read this was one of the weakest in the series, unsure whether I’ll bother with the rest of them after this.
April 29, 2019
It has been too long since I’ve read an Andy McNab book. Partly due to other interests, and partially do to this being my library’s last and most recent copy.
My mistake. I shouldn’t have waited so long — I have since ordered the next three paperbacks.
Nick Stone returns 30 years later to the now Congo to save his girlfriend who is an aid worker in the Congo. We deal with the use of young boys as military machines, young girls as rape victims and their parents as murder victims.
Nick and his small band of cohorts bring this to a difficult conclusion, but the final conclusion outside the Congo is quite satisfying. Will be following up soon with the other stories.
My mistake. I shouldn’t have waited so long — I have since ordered the next three paperbacks.
Nick Stone returns 30 years later to the now Congo to save his girlfriend who is an aid worker in the Congo. We deal with the use of young boys as military machines, young girls as rape victims and their parents as murder victims.
Nick and his small band of cohorts bring this to a difficult conclusion, but the final conclusion outside the Congo is quite satisfying. Will be following up soon with the other stories.
January 29, 2020
Recoil. Andy McNab
Life couldn't be looking better for Nick Stone. Switzerland, his girlfriends step father lives there. He's filthy rich. Suddenly she's gone. To Africa. A volunteer to help the people in a war ravaged country. In part from her stepfather doing. He has sacrificed thousands who labor in his mines for pennies and little to eat. Nick follows his girlfriend to Africa to take her home. He quickly understands her reasoning and will do whatever he can to help. Non stop action. An excellent read!
Life couldn't be looking better for Nick Stone. Switzerland, his girlfriends step father lives there. He's filthy rich. Suddenly she's gone. To Africa. A volunteer to help the people in a war ravaged country. In part from her stepfather doing. He has sacrificed thousands who labor in his mines for pennies and little to eat. Nick follows his girlfriend to Africa to take her home. He quickly understands her reasoning and will do whatever he can to help. Non stop action. An excellent read!
January 1, 2021
Like so often in case of this genre, there is right and wrong way to read this book. And the right way is very simple - never mind the utterly rudiculous setup, get through it as quickly as possible. Then, once you get to the 'action' part, just enjoy the ride and occasionally speculate about how much of it is based on author's real life experiences. If read in this manner, 'Recoil' is a pretty solid thriller which should satisfy anyone looking for a 'war story for grown-up boys'.
August 21, 2018
E' la mia prima lettura di un romanzo della serie di Nick Stone, e devo confessare che il risultato non è stato in linea con le attese. La storia è ben costruita ma, a parte le scend ed'azione, il plot è scarso e poco realistico. Insomma spreo di incontrare di nuovo Nick Stone in una storia a m e più congeniale.
June 2, 2023
Definitely the best one so far. As war novels go this is second only to For Whom The Bell Tolls. The Congolese children forced to kill their parents and take up arms was devastating, especially because it’s really happening. I’ll think twice before upgrading any electronics and make sure to bring in old stuff so the materials are recycled.
February 17, 2019
I enjoyed this book. I have not read any of Andy McNab's books before, and picked this up only because I had nothing else to read at the time. I soon found myself quite involved in the story and just had to keep reading to find out how it finished. I think I will look for more from this author.
July 31, 2020
Pretty pacey start but lacks impetus once the main character is forced to track down his girlfriend- soon becomes boring. You know an author has lost his way when he starts to describe rather than show the feelings of the main character.
April 30, 2024
The best part of this story was the ending. It was hard to read about the abuse the children suffered all to satisfy some men's greed, however it's abominable that this still goes on in some parts of the world.
April 19, 2025
Although repetitive in places, like army drills, this is definitely one of the better Andy McNab books I have read. The action picks up just over halfway through and doesn’t really stop then a satisfying ending.
February 22, 2018
I've read it before but started the whole series again to read in order. Just finished this and got to say, like the others before it, it's a fantastic read. So, now on to the next one in the series.
February 10, 2019
This was my first audiobook and I found myself increasing the times. I wanted to know what would happen next. Bravo....no pun intended. Excellent
March 20, 2019
A great book which goes from strength to strength. Nick Stone is a worthy hero and the other characters are great. An exciting story which bowls along quite nicely.
June 3, 2020
Back to his best with this one
September 16, 2020
I Think my Favorite Mcnab Book
December 6, 2020
A great read from this excellent author, highly recommend.
January 29, 2021
I used to read the Nick Stone series back in the day. That was long ago and I got rid of the Nick Stone books I owned.
I was fond of the social commentary.
I was fond of the social commentary.
June 13, 2021
When Nick's girlfriend disappears after an argument Nick doesn't realise that by following her he will land himself in the middle of a war zone.
August 29, 2021
I enjoyed this book.
November 6, 2021
Love a book that holds you to the very next page as this one. Absorbing to the very end.
June 26, 2023
Better than the last entry
Great action great story even thou the end was rushed but still a great read.
Great action great story even thou the end was rushed but still a great read.
April 3, 2024
Nick is involved with child soldiers in Africa. Not as good as others, but still OK.
April 20, 2024
As usual good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews