Desert Pursuit

Alpha Force #3

by Chris Ryan

Undercover, the team heads for the Sahara desert to gather evidence of young landmine victims. But the five youngsters soon find themselves in desperate pursuit of a child-slavery gang.

Genres: Action, Adventure, Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens, Espionage, Ebooks

308 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Colin Armstrong (b. 1961), usually known by the pen-name Chris Ryan, is a British author, television presenter, security consultant and former Special Air Service sergeant.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.

Reviews

[Chris Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series continues to impress. Very interesting story topic and was an enjoyable read. Story focuses more on Li than the other Alpha members. Sad to think that child slavoury goes on in these sort of countries. Interesting part of the book which I had never thought about was the fact that families will actually sell their kids to people like the scorpion under the impression that they are being sold to a better lifestyle.

[Francis G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read 4 books by Chris Ryan; Wildfire, Survival, Rat Catcher and now, Desert Pursuit. Desert Pursuit is probably my favourite Chris Ryan book I have read so far. It is about a group of five teenagers, called Alpha Force who head to the country of Western Sahara to help landmine victims, but find a lot more than they expected.
I think it is written very well and you are kept on the edge of your seat till the very last chapter.
However, there are some minor bad points. For example, whenever a gun is mentioned, it has to be a Kalashnikov. Now I don't know if this is a very common gun in north-western Africa, but to me it seems that Chris Ryan might have been running out of ideas. This is just one example, there are some other instances like this.
But saying this, I'm probably just being picky. This is a very good book indeed and I recommend it to anybody who enjoys adventure boks.

[Geraint Wiggins · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very easy book to read. The ‘Alpha Force’ titles are Chris Ryan’s first books for young readers. I think he’s spot on with this book with the aim to let young people enjoy a bit of adventure and intrigue in the Sahara desert.
Alpha Force are a unique group of 5 individuals, each with special skills and ready to go anywhere in the world to help others in need.
Also includes Chris’ top SAS tips on Survival in a desert. What more could you ask for, in a book.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Ryan really doesn’t skimp out on details! It’s just the right amount of gorey truth to the lighthearted young adult audience and I love it! I enjoy learning so many new facts, even when I’m re-reading the series. I was also happy to see that this book mainly focused on Li as I really wanted to learn more about her character and personality. She doesn’t think twice about heading into danger to help someone 🦸‍♀️

[Artus D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the third in a series called Alpha Force.

This book is very exciting and there is a lot of action. This time, Alpha Force have to survive in the middle of a desert while saving children from slavery.

[Jake Corney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real choice book

[Raphael Villareal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another easy fun read, nothing more nothing less, onto the next!
3.5/5

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a reread for me as I read and loved the Alpha Force series as a teen and then reread this book for a challenge.

I remembered a lot of this book such as the death of the Scorpion, the murder of Hakim, Li being found out as a girl and Hex and Paulo being buried alive after the sand dune but was surprised at how much I enjoyed the book despite knowing how it turned out. I liked all the characters and their relationships with each other, along with how their different skills helped to deal with the problems at hand. There was a lot of explanation at times but considering the age group, I found this understandable.

This is a book which holds up well over time and I'll continue to give it five stars.

[Ryan Everly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this book was another good addition to the series. Chris Ryan keeps coming out with ideas that keep the series exciting. In this book the Alpha Force is in the desert in Africa gathering evidence of landline victims but they come across a gang of child slavers. Now they are in a high speed chase trying to free the children and bring them back home. I liked this book because of the high pace action during the chase across the dune. I also think that the series will only continue to get better

[Emmalene Umar · Rating 3 out of 5]

The team is fairly cliche in terms of the way their giftings and race have been combined. I enjoyed the pace and it wasn't as predictable as I had thought it would be. At some points the story conjured up some rather gorry images, however I think it's fantastic to have gritty reality incorporated into a children's book. Definitely recommend it for 11-12 year old independent reading.

[Zane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have been better

[Matthew Noakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

PIE

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-reading this series to relive my early teen years! Just as enjoyable as the previous times I have read the book. Nice easy read and one of my favourites from the whole series!