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Scot Harvath #5
Takedown
From #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and #1 Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Brad Thor, comes Takedown.
July 4th weekend, New York City: As thousands of holiday travelers make their way out of Manhattan, a flawlessly executed terrorist attack plunges the city into a maelstrom of panic and death. Amid the chaos, an elite team of foreign operatives is systematically searching for one of their own, a man so powerful that the US government refuses to admit he even exists and will do anything to keep him hidden.
Now, with the world’s deadliest enemy upon America’s doorstep, counterterrorism operative Scot Harvath must fight his way through the burning city streets to take down an invisible terrorist mastermind with the means to unleash hell on a global scale.
July 4th weekend, New York City: As thousands of holiday travelers make their way out of Manhattan, a flawlessly executed terrorist attack plunges the city into a maelstrom of panic and death. Amid the chaos, an elite team of foreign operatives is systematically searching for one of their own, a man so powerful that the US government refuses to admit he even exists and will do anything to keep him hidden.
Now, with the world’s deadliest enemy upon America’s doorstep, counterterrorism operative Scot Harvath must fight his way through the burning city streets to take down an invisible terrorist mastermind with the means to unleash hell on a global scale.
314 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2006
About the author
Brad Thor
70 books6,928 followersBRAD THOR is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-four thrillers, including SHADOW OF DOUBT, BLACK ICE (ThrillerFix Best Thriller of the Year), NEAR DARK (one of Suspense Magazine’s Best Books of the Year), BACKLASH (nominated for the Barry Award for Best Thriller of the Year), SPYMASTER (“One of the all-time best thriller novels” —The Washington Times), THE LAST PATRIOT (nominated Best Thriller of the Year by the International Thriller Writers Association), and BLOWBACK (one of the “Top 100 Killer Thrillers of All Time” —NPR).
SHADOW OF DOUBT is on sale now. For more information, visit BradThor.com.
SHADOW OF DOUBT is on sale now. For more information, visit BradThor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 576 reviews
March 19, 2019
Excellent thriller! 9 of 10 stars
I re-listened to this and six years later find it less thrilling the second time through. 2019 rating 7 of 10 stars
I re-listened to this and six years later find it less thrilling the second time through. 2019 rating 7 of 10 stars
February 6, 2015
This book may have passed for a decent, somewhat badly written yet still entertaining, espionage thriller. However, any chance the book had was ruined by the fact that it functioned better as a piece of right wing propaganda than as a piece of entertainment.
I don't really care what Brad Thor's political views are, I don't particularly care that he and I differ, and I don't even mind if he infuses those views into the novel. However, when there is more focus on said views than an actual story, then I get a little annoyed. Just about every character is an arrogant, judgemental, testosterone driven prick. Those that aren't exact clones of the others were either terrorists or made out to be idiots. The author spends most of his time whacking us over the head with his political views, rather than focussing on the story. He is condescending and insulting to the characters that hold different viewpoints, and by extension towards those readers that hold different viewpoints (myself being one of them).
Mr. Thor takes the idea of patriotism to another level. I'm all for loving and fighting for one's country, but the message given by this book is that anyone who isn't out on the front lines, who isn't willing to torture prisoners, who shows even an ounce of pacifism (or even basic humanity towards one's enemies) is just as bad as the terrorists. The one major political opponent to the fictional president's policies, the one I frankly agree with, is laughed out of the room, by both Mr. Thor and his characters, and forced to resign. For showing a difference of opinion? Said fictional president later pretty much declares war on Islam as a whole, extremist or not, and we are still supposed to root for this guy? Wait, what?
To top off my disdain for Brad Thor's overbearing political propaganda, there was also his lack of basic writing ability. The integration of Mr. Thor's messages was made all the more clunky by his apparent need to beat us over the head with words such as "America", "Patriot", and "Terrorist". He tells us over and over again how angry each and every character is, battering us with paragraphs and paragraphs about how pissed off they are at the terrorists and their attacks. There is no variation to this anger between characters. The wording is practically identical from chapter to chapter, character to character. Why? Because every character is a robot whose only purpose is to further convince us of why Brad Thor's view on the world is absolute, and anybody who disagrees is no better than the terrorists.
It was interesting to here Mr. Thor's view on Canada. Paranoia is apparently so rampant in the U.S. intelligence services that they are convinced that even their allies are invading them, and that the American people need to "wake up".
In conclusion, if you hold similar views to Brad Thor, or at least aren't bothered by his beating the reader around the head with them, then you will likely enjoy this. I can see a case being made for it being a decent espionage thriller. For me though, what little enjoyment I might have gotten from the book was lost in a sea of overbearing political ideologies.
To me, this book represents everything wrong with the western world's views on Islam and the War on Terror. Individuals reacting out of anger, fear, and hatred simply perpetuate the problem and reinforce ingrained biases. Issuing sweeping, blanket condemnation on an entire religion for the actions of a few extremists is ignorance of the highest order, and plain racism.
I don't really care what Brad Thor's political views are, I don't particularly care that he and I differ, and I don't even mind if he infuses those views into the novel. However, when there is more focus on said views than an actual story, then I get a little annoyed. Just about every character is an arrogant, judgemental, testosterone driven prick. Those that aren't exact clones of the others were either terrorists or made out to be idiots. The author spends most of his time whacking us over the head with his political views, rather than focussing on the story. He is condescending and insulting to the characters that hold different viewpoints, and by extension towards those readers that hold different viewpoints (myself being one of them).
Mr. Thor takes the idea of patriotism to another level. I'm all for loving and fighting for one's country, but the message given by this book is that anyone who isn't out on the front lines, who isn't willing to torture prisoners, who shows even an ounce of pacifism (or even basic humanity towards one's enemies) is just as bad as the terrorists. The one major political opponent to the fictional president's policies, the one I frankly agree with, is laughed out of the room, by both Mr. Thor and his characters, and forced to resign. For showing a difference of opinion? Said fictional president later pretty much declares war on Islam as a whole, extremist or not, and we are still supposed to root for this guy? Wait, what?
To top off my disdain for Brad Thor's overbearing political propaganda, there was also his lack of basic writing ability. The integration of Mr. Thor's messages was made all the more clunky by his apparent need to beat us over the head with words such as "America", "Patriot", and "Terrorist". He tells us over and over again how angry each and every character is, battering us with paragraphs and paragraphs about how pissed off they are at the terrorists and their attacks. There is no variation to this anger between characters. The wording is practically identical from chapter to chapter, character to character. Why? Because every character is a robot whose only purpose is to further convince us of why Brad Thor's view on the world is absolute, and anybody who disagrees is no better than the terrorists.
It was interesting to here Mr. Thor's view on Canada. Paranoia is apparently so rampant in the U.S. intelligence services that they are convinced that even their allies are invading them, and that the American people need to "wake up".
In conclusion, if you hold similar views to Brad Thor, or at least aren't bothered by his beating the reader around the head with them, then you will likely enjoy this. I can see a case being made for it being a decent espionage thriller. For me though, what little enjoyment I might have gotten from the book was lost in a sea of overbearing political ideologies.
To me, this book represents everything wrong with the western world's views on Islam and the War on Terror. Individuals reacting out of anger, fear, and hatred simply perpetuate the problem and reinforce ingrained biases. Issuing sweeping, blanket condemnation on an entire religion for the actions of a few extremists is ignorance of the highest order, and plain racism.
March 30, 2021
i read it few years and somehow picked it up again. i found it less than last time. a bit too obvious who is good and who is evil, who is going to win etc. of course the brave american. a found it a bit bizarre that the two main characters scot and ali have sort of 6th sense which guide them in battle. there were some funny pages when scot is on a plane to Gibraltar but we get a page on the berber monkey and scot can smell the flowers on the rock. the final is a bit rush. still ok read, good action.
March 20, 2013
I STILL love Scot Harvath! This book is the first to introduce "the Troll". I loved everything except for the end of the book, which I totally wasn't expecting, which definitely leads to a sequel (which I already know since I've read a lot of them).
United States agents capture an international terrorist in Somalia, using a covert operation, and take him to a location in New York City. In the meantime, Scot Harvath has been on a secret operation in Canada to capture another terrorist, also taken to New York in a covert operation.
Terrorists mount a massive suicide mission against New York City to try to free the terrorist mastermind, needed to complete evil plans. Harvath finds himself on the scene, mounting a counter operation using a team put together on the spot including an old friend. Events are complicated by a lack of cooperation between agencies, and the fact that there is a mole somewhere aiding the enemy.
Then there is the information source known as the Troll, playing all sides for his own profit. Everyone has their own agenda, some of which are not obvious to the players in the game.
The white hats eventually win this round, but at a high price. The Troll is still out there, and an unknown enemy is stalking Harvath. Final events set things up for a sequel.
United States agents capture an international terrorist in Somalia, using a covert operation, and take him to a location in New York City. In the meantime, Scot Harvath has been on a secret operation in Canada to capture another terrorist, also taken to New York in a covert operation.
Terrorists mount a massive suicide mission against New York City to try to free the terrorist mastermind, needed to complete evil plans. Harvath finds himself on the scene, mounting a counter operation using a team put together on the spot including an old friend. Events are complicated by a lack of cooperation between agencies, and the fact that there is a mole somewhere aiding the enemy.
Then there is the information source known as the Troll, playing all sides for his own profit. Everyone has their own agenda, some of which are not obvious to the players in the game.
The white hats eventually win this round, but at a high price. The Troll is still out there, and an unknown enemy is stalking Harvath. Final events set things up for a sequel.
June 23, 2013
I could not even finish this due to the rah-rah "The USA owns the planet and can do anything it wants to those who can't fight back even if it violates our own law and the international treaties we have signed." and because it is hatefully racist against Muslims.
Since George Bush committed the terroristic act of invading two countries-Afghanistan and Iraq- that had not only NOT attacked us but were incapable of it, the right wing and the military and our spook agencies have thoroughly routed the US Constitution and violated the rights of Americans and foreigners, breaking the Constitution, American laws, and international laws. We are arrogant bullies who think we own the planet and refuse to acknowledge that our meddling in the Middle East since the late 1940's is what started our troubles with Islam. There was NO problem prior to that and we caused it ourselves.
This book essentially shows us doing so and obviously the author thinks we are heroes for doing it. Where is the truly needed message that we brought 9-11 on ourselves with our meddling and could stop it if we got out of there and quit interfering in other countries? Not here in this book, that's for sure.
Since George Bush committed the terroristic act of invading two countries-Afghanistan and Iraq- that had not only NOT attacked us but were incapable of it, the right wing and the military and our spook agencies have thoroughly routed the US Constitution and violated the rights of Americans and foreigners, breaking the Constitution, American laws, and international laws. We are arrogant bullies who think we own the planet and refuse to acknowledge that our meddling in the Middle East since the late 1940's is what started our troubles with Islam. There was NO problem prior to that and we caused it ourselves.
This book essentially shows us doing so and obviously the author thinks we are heroes for doing it. Where is the truly needed message that we brought 9-11 on ourselves with our meddling and could stop it if we got out of there and quit interfering in other countries? Not here in this book, that's for sure.
January 16, 2018
This book was as good as the others in the series, which is to say, really good. I like the pacing. The author uses short chapters as the action increases, which gives the sense of action moving more quickly. There are times I only have a few minutes to read, and long developed chapters don’t appeal to me in those moments. This book worked perfectly in small pieces, which is part of why I was able to finish it quickly.
At slightly under 400 pages hardcover, I was able to read 100 pages or so per day, and the story was interesting enough to make me want to pick it up again each time. Following the main character, Scot Harvarth, as he races towards targets just ahead of the terrorist assassin, was fun reading that drew me away from my day to day world which is exactly the escape I need sometimes. The terrorist attack on New York seems terrifyingly realistic enough to establish verisimilitude. The author knows how to incorporate technology, character and drama into a fast paced read that is hard to put down until its satisfying, although slightly cliff hanging, ending.
4.5 stars yet again
At slightly under 400 pages hardcover, I was able to read 100 pages or so per day, and the story was interesting enough to make me want to pick it up again each time. Following the main character, Scot Harvarth, as he races towards targets just ahead of the terrorist assassin, was fun reading that drew me away from my day to day world which is exactly the escape I need sometimes. The terrorist attack on New York seems terrifyingly realistic enough to establish verisimilitude. The author knows how to incorporate technology, character and drama into a fast paced read that is hard to put down until its satisfying, although slightly cliff hanging, ending.
4.5 stars yet again
April 12, 2021
Another great Scot Harvath book :) I am hoping the ending isn't really the end??? if you know what I mean. Otherwise I will be very very very very sad. Now I will have to get the next book to find out.
June 9, 2019
Brad Thor's Scott Harvath series never disappoints. This is one of the best.
May 17, 2012
How can one really outright enjoy the first Die Hard movie then absolutely hate the sequel(s)? How can one ignore the unlikely premise/s and focus on the truly senseless but highly entertaining onscreen mayhem? The answers to these questions are important, aren't they? They relate to how one will feel about this book by Brad Thor.
This was my first Thor book. First, the aspects of it that I liked: the action, the armaments and , er, the action. Ok, this a short list, but there was a lot of it in various permutations and repetitions. The unlikables: war, unrepentant killing, skimpy character development, non-sequiturs. There's enough of that, too. Enough that the good and the bad balance out. What tips this to one side for me is the unrelenting world view espoused by the author through the characters and the story, that everything can be painted in black or white, that conflict can only be resolved by the mighty quashing everyone else. There was just too much of this for me to be ignored, and ultimately to truly enjoy this book.
An important lesson for me as a writer is to understand how much of my own opinions to infuse into stories, another step on the road to understanding what true story-telling is about. Such a long road still ahead.
June 13, 2020
An exciting entry in the Scot Harvath series.
Terrorists blow up all the bridges and tunnels into Manhattan, and go on a seek and destroy rescue mission for a high ranking terrorist.
Scot Harvath happens to be in the area, and tracks the terrorists, finding a network of secret sites. Aided by some members of a PTSD support group from the local VA, Scot must stop the terrorists.
This is also the book that introduces The Troll to the Harvath mythos.
Great stuff.
Terrorists blow up all the bridges and tunnels into Manhattan, and go on a seek and destroy rescue mission for a high ranking terrorist.
Scot Harvath happens to be in the area, and tracks the terrorists, finding a network of secret sites. Aided by some members of a PTSD support group from the local VA, Scot must stop the terrorists.
This is also the book that introduces The Troll to the Harvath mythos.
Great stuff.
March 30, 2022
You know that time in every book where it clicks and you know it will be great? This one will go down in Thor’s Harvath series as the point I was hooked. Up until TAKEDOWN, I wasn’t sure. Now I am.
This clicked from the first page and I didn’t want to stop reading. Great characters everywhere, both the good and evil ones. A long term foe seems to have come on the scene and a couple were lost that were very tough to lose. The series took off for me and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
This clicked from the first page and I didn’t want to stop reading. Great characters everywhere, both the good and evil ones. A long term foe seems to have come on the scene and a couple were lost that were very tough to lose. The series took off for me and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
May 31, 2014
SUBJECTIVE REVEIW FOLLOWS:
I just finished reading this book for the second time and it is absolutely kick-ass action adventure with thriller lathered all around it. Thor even gives us romance at the end, as Scot Harvath meets his match in a woman. Whether this storyline is credible might be debatable, but you cannot ignore the sheer intensity of the action in this book. Only Vince Flynn in recent years has the same kind of edge of the seat capacity to completely capture the reader's total focus and anticipation. Unfortunately, Vince and Mitch Rapp won't be around anymore with Flynn's early demise, but Brad Thor can't seem to put out a dog, and you can take that to the bank! If you haven't read any Brad Thor, start with his first novel and move forward in his catalogue. You shant be disappointed.
SPOILER PLOT SUMMARY FOLLOWS:
New York City Terrorist Attack. After US spec ops teams snatch two wanted jihadists, they secretly settle them down in NYC for interrogation. Having taken one of the jihadists down in Montreal and turned him over at the border, Harvath crashes in NYC for an Independence Day celebration with his old buddy Bullet Bob Herrington, but their revelry is interrupted by explosion on the Williamsburg and Brooklyn Bridges leading into Lower Manhattan. A suicide bomber whose vest didn't explode trips Scot onto a different path by pointing him towards ultra-secret safe houses. With information being withheld in DC, Harvath and Bob must unfold the mystery on the ground along with Bob's merry band of wounded vets assembled around the NYC VA center. As Scot's makeshift team clears one safe house after another, it comes clear that the jihadists are actually rescuing one of their premier bombmakers Mohammed, and the bridge and tunnel attacks are merely diversionary. Scot and the team fight the jihadists, who finally make good their escape from the 5th and last safe house. Scot catches up with the perps in Gibraltar a month later and finishes Mohammed off with two flesh eating beetles and a stomach shot. Scot and Tracy hook up and his encounter with the Troll is a mexican standoff.
I just finished reading this book for the second time and it is absolutely kick-ass action adventure with thriller lathered all around it. Thor even gives us romance at the end, as Scot Harvath meets his match in a woman. Whether this storyline is credible might be debatable, but you cannot ignore the sheer intensity of the action in this book. Only Vince Flynn in recent years has the same kind of edge of the seat capacity to completely capture the reader's total focus and anticipation. Unfortunately, Vince and Mitch Rapp won't be around anymore with Flynn's early demise, but Brad Thor can't seem to put out a dog, and you can take that to the bank! If you haven't read any Brad Thor, start with his first novel and move forward in his catalogue. You shant be disappointed.
SPOILER PLOT SUMMARY FOLLOWS:
New York City Terrorist Attack. After US spec ops teams snatch two wanted jihadists, they secretly settle them down in NYC for interrogation. Having taken one of the jihadists down in Montreal and turned him over at the border, Harvath crashes in NYC for an Independence Day celebration with his old buddy Bullet Bob Herrington, but their revelry is interrupted by explosion on the Williamsburg and Brooklyn Bridges leading into Lower Manhattan. A suicide bomber whose vest didn't explode trips Scot onto a different path by pointing him towards ultra-secret safe houses. With information being withheld in DC, Harvath and Bob must unfold the mystery on the ground along with Bob's merry band of wounded vets assembled around the NYC VA center. As Scot's makeshift team clears one safe house after another, it comes clear that the jihadists are actually rescuing one of their premier bombmakers Mohammed, and the bridge and tunnel attacks are merely diversionary. Scot and the team fight the jihadists, who finally make good their escape from the 5th and last safe house. Scot catches up with the perps in Gibraltar a month later and finishes Mohammed off with two flesh eating beetles and a stomach shot. Scot and Tracy hook up and his encounter with the Troll is a mexican standoff.
March 17, 2019
4/5 stars
This one is more like what I expect from a Brad Thor novel. Lots of action! Scot is in up to his eyeballs while in New York City for July 4th weekend visiting an old friend when terrorists strike. The secondary characters get good (if minimal) character development. And Wow! What a cliff-hanger ending (if not slightly predictable). Overall a nice fast read.
This one is more like what I expect from a Brad Thor novel. Lots of action! Scot is in up to his eyeballs while in New York City for July 4th weekend visiting an old friend when terrorists strike. The secondary characters get good (if minimal) character development. And Wow! What a cliff-hanger ending (if not slightly predictable). Overall a nice fast read.
August 3, 2022
I usually enjoy his books, but this was just too drawn out for me plus, another bleeping to be continued ending.
May 11, 2011
My mom bought me this book. Its pretty stereotypical of its genre, and predictable. Its as if i was reading an action movie script - mind you, thats not a criticism. It borders on propaganda, and it evokes all the macho man cliches that i know are total crap, knowing many who serve or who have served, in various roles in the military. For what it is, its ok. Clancy is kinda of tripe too but does it marginally better.
September 29, 2020
#5 in the Scott Harvath series. NY is under attack. One hell of a cliffhanger at the end!!!
September 14, 2018
Another widely entertaining roller-coaster action-packed thriller from Mr. Brad Thor!! Scot Harvath is back to kick some Terrorist scum-ass!
On a beautiful 4th of July weekend, thousands of travelers are making their way out of Manhattan, when the whole city of New York becomes under siege from an elite team of terrorists, killing many civilians in the process. Their #1 goal, is to release a high-ranking member of al-Qaeda that is imprisoned in a highly classified fortress that the US Government refuses to admit even exists. With the whole city of New York in complete mayhem and a complete warzone, it's up to Scot Harvath and a small group of Military operatives assisting him, fight their way through the streets and take down the attackers before they can locate their comrade and return him to his homeland.
Once again very action packed. The middle of the book was very hard to follow, it jumped around a lot, a lot of different characters, very short chapters, and sub-plots that I didn't know where it fit in with the rest of the story, but then as I read further it all connected. And a big shocker in the end!
On a beautiful 4th of July weekend, thousands of travelers are making their way out of Manhattan, when the whole city of New York becomes under siege from an elite team of terrorists, killing many civilians in the process. Their #1 goal, is to release a high-ranking member of al-Qaeda that is imprisoned in a highly classified fortress that the US Government refuses to admit even exists. With the whole city of New York in complete mayhem and a complete warzone, it's up to Scot Harvath and a small group of Military operatives assisting him, fight their way through the streets and take down the attackers before they can locate their comrade and return him to his homeland.
Once again very action packed. The middle of the book was very hard to follow, it jumped around a lot, a lot of different characters, very short chapters, and sub-plots that I didn't know where it fit in with the rest of the story, but then as I read further it all connected. And a big shocker in the end!
January 29, 2022
Full of action beginning to end. Short chapters which keep you 'glued" to the book into the midnight hour! Was a potential for a 4 star except for the abrupt flat ending which compelled me to give the book a 3+ star without giving away the spoiler ending.
March 28, 2023
These books are espionage thrillers and that is what you get a non stop thriller. To everyone's surprise there is a terror attack on US soil and Scot Harvath is called in to save the day.
There are plenty of grizzly murders and interrogations in this book so reader be aware. This book is the first one that the troll appears in and I cannot wait to see where Thor takes this character.
Of course Harvath wins the day but that win comes with a really high price tag.
A good addition to the series.
There are plenty of grizzly murders and interrogations in this book so reader be aware. This book is the first one that the troll appears in and I cannot wait to see where Thor takes this character.
Of course Harvath wins the day but that win comes with a really high price tag.
A good addition to the series.
October 19, 2017
Read the full review at my site Digital Amrit
I don’t care how many Starbucks are in my neighbourhood. how many digital pictures my secretary can cram onto a single memory card, or how realistic the imagery is on my nephew’s new Play Station, we still live in a world where might makes right.
Introduction
‘Takedown’ is written by Brad Thor. It is the fourth book in the ‘Scot Harvath’ series. It is an action thriller and it stars the eponymous ‘Scot Harvath’.
The overall synopsis of the book is as follows. A couple of terrorists have been captured and are being interrogated about a plot to detonate a nuclear device in the US. Their organization immediately responds by devastating New York. Scot Harvath is there when it happens.
Recommendation
‘Takedown’ is a good book. There are a few new intriguing characters introduced in it like the Troll, who seems to be like Tyrion except that he is not witty.
The theme of the book is basically around how do we respond to terrorists? Do we get down in the dirt and behave worse than them? Or do we be basically decent human beings and try to convince them to be less fanatical. I loved the fact that Brad Thor is starting to inject some complexity into his novels. It is relatively easier to write books where everything is black and white. An action thriller where everything is gray is far more difficult. Ultimately though, Brad Thor does not bring this argument to a satisfying conclusion.
In spite of this, I liked the book. Brad Thor’s Islamophobia and racism still abounds though.
Overall, ‘Blowback’ is a decent read. Go for it.
Read the full review at my site Digital Amrit
I don’t care how many Starbucks are in my neighbourhood. how many digital pictures my secretary can cram onto a single memory card, or how realistic the imagery is on my nephew’s new Play Station, we still live in a world where might makes right.
Introduction
‘Takedown’ is written by Brad Thor. It is the fourth book in the ‘Scot Harvath’ series. It is an action thriller and it stars the eponymous ‘Scot Harvath’.
The overall synopsis of the book is as follows. A couple of terrorists have been captured and are being interrogated about a plot to detonate a nuclear device in the US. Their organization immediately responds by devastating New York. Scot Harvath is there when it happens.
Recommendation
‘Takedown’ is a good book. There are a few new intriguing characters introduced in it like the Troll, who seems to be like Tyrion except that he is not witty.
The theme of the book is basically around how do we respond to terrorists? Do we get down in the dirt and behave worse than them? Or do we be basically decent human beings and try to convince them to be less fanatical. I loved the fact that Brad Thor is starting to inject some complexity into his novels. It is relatively easier to write books where everything is black and white. An action thriller where everything is gray is far more difficult. Ultimately though, Brad Thor does not bring this argument to a satisfying conclusion.
In spite of this, I liked the book. Brad Thor’s Islamophobia and racism still abounds though.
Overall, ‘Blowback’ is a decent read. Go for it.
Read the full review at my site Digital Amrit
June 1, 2018
I would call this 'Islamic Terror Porn'. There was no real point to the book besides letting Brad Thor describe his torture techniques and unrealistic terror plots. The book describes a small team of less then 20 terrorists taking over New York City, blowing up the bridges and killing off all the people at 4 separate highly guarded top secret locations. They were apparently so successful that the President of the United States could not even fly to the city to meet his injured daughter who had been on the bridge when the terrorists bombs exploded.
I gave this book 4 stars because I guess some people like reading this type of 'thriller' book. Personally, I like spending my time learning or at least feeling like I will walk away with something valuable. There is nothing in this book of value besides entertainment. I must admit when bugs were used as a means to interrogate, well that was something else. Brad seems to care less about explaining why these Islamic extremists want to kill Americans. There is no big picture analysis of the never ending war on terror. Just more fuel to the fire to make the reader think that these muslims are our sworn enemy. I guess if you make a living selling books about 'Islamic Terror Porn' then their is little motivation in trying to connect the dots between America's military industrial complex and the never ending wars America keeps fighting.
I gave this book 4 stars because I guess some people like reading this type of 'thriller' book. Personally, I like spending my time learning or at least feeling like I will walk away with something valuable. There is nothing in this book of value besides entertainment. I must admit when bugs were used as a means to interrogate, well that was something else. Brad seems to care less about explaining why these Islamic extremists want to kill Americans. There is no big picture analysis of the never ending war on terror. Just more fuel to the fire to make the reader think that these muslims are our sworn enemy. I guess if you make a living selling books about 'Islamic Terror Porn' then their is little motivation in trying to connect the dots between America's military industrial complex and the never ending wars America keeps fighting.
September 25, 2018
Personal Response:
Takedown was an enjoyable book to read. It seemed as though it was written at a slightly more basic reading level than what I am, but there was a lot of information in it that I hadn't heard of before. Brad Thor put in a lot of time and research to make this book as exciting and suspenseful as it could be. A lot of the story line seemed to be repeated, however, and this made the book less of "A Thriller" than the cover stated it to be.
Plot Summary:
Characterization:
The main character, Scot Harvath, could be seen to go through major changes as the story developed. He starts out as a hardened man, after losing his girlfriend, and maintains this most of the way through the book. He feels like he won't find love again as he failed himself this time. But well after halfway through the book, he seems to soften some and finds a true friend in one of the members of his tactical team. This is a complete turnaround from the beginning, though it is a fairly common occurrence in many books where the character has just broken up. Harvath also shows a change in character as he leads his team in pursuit of the terrorists. He feels wary of leading them and is a bit reluctant to trust them at first, but as time lapsed, he showed that he could lead and this strengthened the trust between them both ways.
Recommendation:
Takedown was at a slightly easier reading level than I am at, so I would recommend this book to readers from age 12 to age 18, depending on reading interests, as well. Some terms may be over the heads of younger readers, but the story could still be enjoyed. This book is definitely suggested to those who enjoy action and war-like works, and either gender would find points that make it good to them. However, males make up a good majority of the main roles, so it may be enjoyed more by male readers.
Takedown was an enjoyable book to read. It seemed as though it was written at a slightly more basic reading level than what I am, but there was a lot of information in it that I hadn't heard of before. Brad Thor put in a lot of time and research to make this book as exciting and suspenseful as it could be. A lot of the story line seemed to be repeated, however, and this made the book less of "A Thriller" than the cover stated it to be.
Plot Summary:
Characterization:
The main character, Scot Harvath, could be seen to go through major changes as the story developed. He starts out as a hardened man, after losing his girlfriend, and maintains this most of the way through the book. He feels like he won't find love again as he failed himself this time. But well after halfway through the book, he seems to soften some and finds a true friend in one of the members of his tactical team. This is a complete turnaround from the beginning, though it is a fairly common occurrence in many books where the character has just broken up. Harvath also shows a change in character as he leads his team in pursuit of the terrorists. He feels wary of leading them and is a bit reluctant to trust them at first, but as time lapsed, he showed that he could lead and this strengthened the trust between them both ways.
Recommendation:
Takedown was at a slightly easier reading level than I am at, so I would recommend this book to readers from age 12 to age 18, depending on reading interests, as well. Some terms may be over the heads of younger readers, but the story could still be enjoyed. This book is definitely suggested to those who enjoy action and war-like works, and either gender would find points that make it good to them. However, males make up a good majority of the main roles, so it may be enjoyed more by male readers.
May 21, 2017
Upgrading to a two. About my 7th or 8th. Brad Thor novel, and likely my last. Just too much nonsensical action for the sake of action. Too much "off the grid" action. Parts of the book I somewhat enjoy, ie, the Troll. But way too much of the story is overdone for the sake of action. Writing is nothing to brag about. Not my cup of tea. I've tried and repeated Mr. Thor's books, but I'm afraid I have to quit.
November 12, 2018
A nice easy read, full of action from the first page to the last. Readers may wish to create and organizational flow chart to keep track of the abundant number of characters - thankfully few of which are superfluous.
Again, can we stop forcing love interests on our hero that we all know will never last through the first chapter of the following title at the latest? It’s painfully cliché
Again, can we stop forcing love interests on our hero that we all know will never last through the first chapter of the following title at the latest? It’s painfully cliché
May 1, 2020
Be aware, this is a testosterone fueled, uber military book. 99% of the characters consider the ends to justify the means and are dismissive of people who would argue for restraint, all while being described as men (and a single, truly token, woman) of honor and integrity (but only towards each other). The story is mildly interesting, the characters are all too much, and the ending is... not.
November 28, 2018
Brad Thor is the man! Love his stories, he makes no apologies in his statement that there is a war happening and we are largely unaware of who the enemy is and how they operate. I dont' always agree with him, but I do appreciate the way he writes and makes his point through awesome story telling.
February 6, 2020
This book was different than anything I have ever read. The 90% of the setting sets place during a massive terrorist attack in NYC. Easily one of my favorite Brad Thor novels and I can't wait to continue on.
October 23, 2017
There was so much action that I was exhausted just reading it. Couldn't put it down.
October 6, 2020
Okay easy read, the usual stuff, that Brad Thor writes USA under a terrorist attack Scott Harvath happens to be in the area at the time of terrorist bombing and strafing is on going. Hooks up with ex-military patriots who just happen to have a small military arsenal in his closet and kicks ass saves New York city and makes the terrorists die a terrible painful death Baahaa.
November 16, 2022
This book would make a great action movie as Manhattan is isolated with only a group of PTSD suffering veterans led by Scot Harvath to save the day, which also happens to be the 4th of July.
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