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Blowback (Scot Harvath #4)
by
Brad Thor (Goodreads Author)
Scot Harvath's counterterrorism career has just crashed and burned -- thanks in part to a ruthless senator with her sights set on the White House. But when the war on terror takes a chilling turn, the president has no choice but to secretly bring Harvath back inside. Deep beneath an Alpine glacier, an ancient weapon designed to decimate the Roman Empire has been unearthed ...more
Mass Market Paperback, 608 pages
Published
May 23rd 2006
by Pocket
(first published 1000)
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Anne (Booklady)
rated it
BLOWBACK
Function: noun
: an unforeseen and unwanted effect, result, or set of repercussions
: CIA code name for an agent or operation that has turned on its
creators
: botched covert action
Former Navy SEAL Scot Harvath in an instant realizes he's blown and many fatwa will be placed upon his head. Al Jazeera has captured him beating a poor, helpless Iraqi, not his nemesis Khalid Sheik Alomari, a superior and ruthless Al Qaeda assassin he has been trac...more
Function: noun
: an unforeseen and unwanted effect, result, or set of repercussions
: CIA code name for an agent or operation that has turned on its
creators
: botched covert action
Former Navy SEAL Scot Harvath in an instant realizes he's blown and many fatwa will be placed upon his head. Al Jazeera has captured him beating a poor, helpless Iraqi, not his nemesis Khalid Sheik Alomari, a superior and ruthless Al Qaeda assassin he has been trac...more
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Good premise for a book: A mysterious illness that only kills non-Muslims, a very patriotic special ops guy getting hung out to dry and an overzealous senator looking to make a big political move.
It had some interesting bits of information about Hannibal and ancient chemical warfare. The parts in the book when the action gets going it keeps up at a good pace.
However, I found the writing a bit jittery. The whole angle with his personal relationships and failed attempts just ...more
It had some interesting bits of information about Hannibal and ancient chemical warfare. The parts in the book when the action gets going it keeps up at a good pace.
However, I found the writing a bit jittery. The whole angle with his personal relationships and failed attempts just ...more
So I like to read thrillers whenever I take a trip by plane. I'm routinely disappointed, but I still keep it up. Brad Thor's Blowback is not the worst, but it's definitely not much above mediocre either.
Here's an example of the main problem I have with the book. [MINOR SPOILER ALERT]
In one chapter, a king explains why he hasn't banished his rebellious son by explaining that if you had a child, you wouldn't be able to bear sending him away from the land of his birth, no matt...more
Here's an example of the main problem I have with the book. [MINOR SPOILER ALERT]
In one chapter, a king explains why he hasn't banished his rebellious son by explaining that if you had a child, you wouldn't be able to bear sending him away from the land of his birth, no matt...more
I can’t use the work ‘blow’ any more. Lets face it—‘blow’ is a lot more funny than it used to be. It has taken on new multiple meanings since the 1970s indicating either drug use or highly entertaining sexual act. Mostly, these days we are on our own deciphering the correct connotation, if any. Can you imagine how confused I became when I realized the movie ‘Blow’ was not the biography of Linda Lovelace and ‘Come Blow Your Horn’ was not about doing toot at band camp? ‘Blowback’ is a real word—ap...more
Another nice thriller from Thor. Harvath (our hero) has to lay low for a while, as a power-seeking senator looks to use him as a sacrificial lamb. While he's on the down low and without much connection to his usual resources, Scot has to try to find the source of and stop a terrible bioweapon from being unleashed.
I was pretty excited when I discovered that a bioweapon was one of the central plot devices. I totally called what one of the elements of it was, and was surprised that t...more
I was pretty excited when I discovered that a bioweapon was one of the central plot devices. I totally called what one of the elements of it was, and was surprised that t...more
I marked this as read, but the reality is that I didn't finish it. I also will not read any more of Thor's books. Where to begin? First, he interjected his strongly conservative political beliefs by creating a character that was clearly based on Hilary Clinton (initials HC, strong woman, husband also in politics, elected to the senate in a state she moved to just to run) but totally grasping, power-hungry, and evil. Unlike Clive Cussler's books, Thor lables his politicians. the Republicans ar...more
Everything Scot Harvath has worked for to help America fight terrorism is now crashing down. If Helen Carmichael has anything to do about it, America will see the 'real' truth behind the President Jack Rutledge and Scot Harvath. It is the only way she can make sure her name is on the ballet for Vice-Presidency. Because of threats at home, Scot is sent across the world, without contact to back home, to chase an assassin and find what ancient weapon he has released upon a small tribe in Baghdad th...more
Brad Thor's main character, Scot Harvath, is a man to behold. While I found his antics a little too much to believe in this book, I found myself engaged by the storyline. Middle Eastern politics, mixed in with historical war figures and bioterrorism from books over 3000 years old. It has my mind leaping at parts. Thor did bring his character back to reality a couple of times, when right in the middle of dangerous stunts he would wonder where his life was heading and if he was taking his care...more
Just when I think that I have read a really action filled thriller, then another one like this comes along. It is fascinating to think that some of Hannibal's soldiers might have been preserved in ice along the route through the Alps. What isn't is to think of various ways men have come up with germ warfare or pestilence to kill off the enemy. Scot Harvath is the hero who works with others to defeat some villains and make the world more safe than it might have been. Obviously he and his 'tea...more
This is the first Brad Thor novel I have read. Even thou, this is a novel, I learned much about Muslum religion and culture, as well as Hannibal, the ancient invader. The plot and background information was enthralling. The novel was well written, and easy to read. My only complaint was that the main characters weren't as complex as I would of preferred them to be. Overall, I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a book dealing with modern day issues such as politics and terrorism, pl...more
I accidentally read this one first when I thought that I had them in order, but as with most adventure/spy thrillers, it didn't matter. Thor masters the intrigue game ad keeps the ball rolling at full speed. What struck me though was that he captured the political thriller, such as Richard North Patterson or Vince Flynn, plus the action adventure, as Flynn again or Lee Child, but he also incorporates the historical mystery a la Dan Brown and Steve Berry. After finishing I immediately rearranged ...more
If you are a fan of Ludlum, you may like Brad Thor. If you are a fan of "24" & "Burn Notice" you may like Thor's novels. If you are a right-wing conservative who believes in "might is right", then you'll like Brad Thor's novels. I like Thor because he writes a good thriller & keeps the criticism of liberalism on the down low (totally unlike author Vince Flynn's novels).
In this thriller, counter-terrorism operative, Scot Harvath, sets out to prevent a Musl...more
In this thriller, counter-terrorism operative, Scot Harvath, sets out to prevent a Musl...more
I was a little skeptical when I started reading this book because recommendations for Brad Thor had come from people who also liked Brad Meltzer and Andrew Gross and I found their work to be less satisfying that I would have liked.
The first few chapters of Blowback had me worried because the chapters were short and seemingly formulaic in structure. As the story went on, however, I found myself enveloped in the book and, to a certain extent, the characters. The science and the histor...more
The first few chapters of Blowback had me worried because the chapters were short and seemingly formulaic in structure. As the story went on, however, I found myself enveloped in the book and, to a certain extent, the characters. The science and the histor...more
Larry Johnson
added it
Thor delivers another fast-paced thriller that has you holding on to the edge of your seat. In this novel, former SEAL and Secret Service agent Scott Harvath is targeted by an ambitious Senator to bring down the President. At the same time, Harvath is overseas searching for a terrorist assassin and a new biological weapon that is planned to be used on US soil. The ending is fast and full of surprises. I couldn't put it down for the last several chapters and was reading from 2am to 6am.
While the premise is interesting, it's a bit far-fetched. But like the prior Brad Thor novels I read, the story is fast-paced and keeps you interested. Scot Harvath is the type of hero like Jason Bourne and James Bond. While some of the plot aspects are not that believable, Brad Thor does a great job of infusing a lot of history into his novels. This was much the same as this had a lot of interesting history on Hannibal and his journey through Europe and some aspects of current Muslim culture. N...more
Audio book. Another good one by Brad Thor. The world is threatened by a potential virus that would spread rapidly. Scot Harvath is in trouble for being on a video beating an "innocent" civilian while trying to capture a terrorist/assassin. He has to go undercover to solve the problem. He's all over the world with a woman scientist who is in danger and uses the Swiss lady from an earlier novel. A lot of shooting, running... but it keeps your attention throughout.
Another Harvath novel and more terrorists stopped and averted. This time it is a group claiming to have the most deadly weapon in a fast spreading disease. Harvath has to stop them against all odds and teams up with a new companion to do so. He does get some help from an old fried though. The book was a typical Harvath novel with ups and downs in terms of pace and storytelling. Harvath, as always, seems to be near invincible. The book was a bit too long for me, but overall a fun read.
On order through Amazon 7/27/2010 Received by mail: 8-11-10... started pm 8/19, finished this morning 8/20/10 real page burner with ideas to chew on!!! New words: BlowBack. Fomites, Azemeopes feae (a viper, snake) ideas: Scythian use of poisoned arrows. Hannibal's use of biowarfare. Dionysus vs Amethyst. "pestilentiae manu factae" phrase from Seneca, Roman Philosopher and advisor to Nero. "...Danse macabre."
and discussion perhaps description of "Hannibal's A...more
and discussion perhaps description of "Hannibal's A...more
After an Islamic terrorist turns the tables on Scot Horvath, he is now fleeing for his political life. Along the way, an old nemesis and an old "friend" cross paths again in an effort to unleash a deadly bio-weapon on the United States. Horvath must find out what is going on and stop it before the plague spreads and the President is forced to contain the illness - by nuking his own people.
Lots of action, interesting information regarding Hannibal and also middle east politics and goals. Unfortunately there is an enormous amount of cursing in this book. You can understand why Scott is so stressed, but the cursing doesn't make it easy to read. I was trying to black out all the words, but it became too big of a job. So I tried to say heck for the curse words. Nontheless, I had a hard time putting the book down during the last 300 pages. It was pretty exciting.
a good read, not a page turner that kept my full attention. I'll have to check out at least another of his books before I decide if I like his style or not.
It's obvious who some of his characters are styled after, such as; Senator Helen Carmichael, democrat from an eastern state, a ball-busting senator who wants a higher office and will do pretty much anything to get there...naughty naughty. Republican President Jack Rutledge, not so much fashioned after any President that has sat i...more
It's obvious who some of his characters are styled after, such as; Senator Helen Carmichael, democrat from an eastern state, a ball-busting senator who wants a higher office and will do pretty much anything to get there...naughty naughty. Republican President Jack Rutledge, not so much fashioned after any President that has sat i...more
Pretty entertaining thriller. Warning: Fox News-like simplification of the War on Terror and Yellow Perilesque demonification of Islam as next of vipers. "Not all Muslims are terrorists, but without fail all terrorists are Muslims." -Scott Harvath, the poor man's Jack Reacher who guns his way through these latter day Don Pendelton potboilers.
Brad Thor excels with a complex story of bio-terrorism based on some ancient history. So, I get a great thriller and a history lesson all rolled into one -- how could I resist? I did have a little problem with the evil politician turning out to be a democrat, but hey ... it's a politician, so perhaps the evil part was redundant in the first place.
This series has the same premise as the Vince Flynn books, but lacks in readability. Thor's writing is elementary in nature and I found myself thinking, "I'm not in 1st grade, why are you writing like I am." I was so annoyed with his style that I stopped reading the series. Scot Harvath also isn't nearlly as BA as Mitch Rapp.
book on tape.
Scott H. another page turner.
terrific from beginning to end..... actually seemed like there were 2-3 books /stories ;within the overall theme. i hope there is some reality to the information/story about saude arabia. fascinating ideas - whether or not they are fiction or fact is another matter.
Scott H. another page turner.
terrific from beginning to end..... actually seemed like there were 2-3 books /stories ;within the overall theme. i hope there is some reality to the information/story about saude arabia. fascinating ideas - whether or not they are fiction or fact is another matter.
This book was a book that kept me involved to the very end. I liked it so much I will read more of Brad Thors books. I like the character Scot Harvath the ex Navy SEAL who turend to counterterrorism operative a lot. He made the book for me at least this auther rather reminds me of Robert Ludlum in a way.
I love Brad Thor because no matter how farfetched the solution is.. (i.e. one man saves the world) the storyline always has factual history backing it so you are always learning about terrorism and the roots of this conflict. Truly an addictive series that gets better with each book.
Mary Jane
rated it
Recommends it for:
thriller/espionage fans
Recommended to Mary Jane by:
Glenn Beck
I love Brad Thor books. He really does a great job with real middle eastern problems and creating a fictional espionage senario. This one is great. The main character, Scot Harvath is a great American hero--very patriotic and a go-to guy. It also discusses politics. The author seems to favor conservatives in the espionage world, but doesn't necessarily do it in an outright way. Loved it, Loved it. It is a nail biting thriller--it was hard not to stay up all night reading it.
I ...more
I ...more
love loVE LOVE this book. Love the style, the characters, the believability of the story. It kept me captivated throughout. I immediately to it back to the library when I was done to get 2 more! Thanks for the suggestion Erin! :D
Standard spy/thriller fare. The main character, Scot Harvath is the quintessential uber-patriot. His love of country goes above and beyond his ability to have a meaningful relationship. That's the one aspect of this book that sets it apart from more run of the mill spy novels. At least Brad Thor gives the main character a bit of depth. The vampire biological weapon that is introduced in the first chapter takes Harvath from America, to France, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia in his quest to discove...more
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Brad Thor, a graduate of the University of Southern California and former member of the Department of Homeland Security's Analytic Red Cell Program, is the New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Lucerne, Path of the Assassin, State of the Union, Blowback, and Takedown. He and his wife -- a physician to the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago White Sox -- divide their time with their two child...more
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