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The First Bayonet
2006, Cairo.
Egyptian/American citizen Zaina Anwar has been imprisoned by the Mubarak government for subversion. Her cousin, a member of Egypt's elite Unit 777, reaches out to former Delta Force operator Ben Williams with a plea--break his cousin out of prison and ferry both of them to political asylum in the US.
What starts off as a simple rescue operation explodes into an international incident. Trapped in the city and hung out to dry, Williams must use his wits to stay one step ahead of the Egyptian government and escort Zaina and her cousin to safety.
Egyptian/American citizen Zaina Anwar has been imprisoned by the Mubarak government for subversion. Her cousin, a member of Egypt's elite Unit 777, reaches out to former Delta Force operator Ben Williams with a plea--break his cousin out of prison and ferry both of them to political asylum in the US.
What starts off as a simple rescue operation explodes into an international incident. Trapped in the city and hung out to dry, Williams must use his wits to stay one step ahead of the Egyptian government and escort Zaina and her cousin to safety.
244 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2012
About the author
Steven Hildreth Jr.
11 books65 followersSteven Hildreth, Jr. is an author, Iraq War veteran, and firearms enthusiast. He resides in Tucson, Arizona.
All publications on this page ©Steven Hildreth, Jr., unless otherwise noted. Any unauthorized use of material on this page is prohibited.
All publications on this page ©Steven Hildreth, Jr., unless otherwise noted. Any unauthorized use of material on this page is prohibited.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 9, 2012
Setting oneself apart in the thriller genre is no easy task; even the most-known authors--Flynn, Cussler, Clancy, Thor--suffer from redundancy and predictability. Perhaps that's one of the reasons I'm so impressed with Hildreth's first novel. It skirts the clichés and the expected, but still manages to embody everything I enjoy in a thriller novel.
Though sodden with action, The First Bayonet is hardly a shallow shoot-em-up. Hildreth carefully crafts his characters into complex individuals, each with motives and flaws. The "bad guys" are never relegated to mindlessly evil, but are, instead, every bit as worthy of sympathy as the protagonists. And the author always seems to know just when to employ his powerful mastery of the English language--never dwelling on flowery wordplay, but nevertheless leaving the reader with the feeling that they've read a powerful work of literature--not some airport kiosk thriller.
If this novel is only the first stepping-stone in Hildreth's writing career, I'm confident we'll soon see him rise to the same prominence as the master novelists of our generation.
Though sodden with action, The First Bayonet is hardly a shallow shoot-em-up. Hildreth carefully crafts his characters into complex individuals, each with motives and flaws. The "bad guys" are never relegated to mindlessly evil, but are, instead, every bit as worthy of sympathy as the protagonists. And the author always seems to know just when to employ his powerful mastery of the English language--never dwelling on flowery wordplay, but nevertheless leaving the reader with the feeling that they've read a powerful work of literature--not some airport kiosk thriller.
If this novel is only the first stepping-stone in Hildreth's writing career, I'm confident we'll soon see him rise to the same prominence as the master novelists of our generation.
September 9, 2012
The First Bayonet is an action packed, adrenaline pumping book. Williams, a no-nonsense yet feeling man, and Zaina, a smart and capable heroine, are thrown together and made to escape pre-revolution Egypt. Hildreth has mastered the art of giving just enough technical information to keep things real, but not too much so that people who don't like the "weapons speak" don't get bored. His scenes are set up so that you feel like you can see where it is your supposed to be. But Hildreth's best skill is writing his characters. They are well-written, fleshed out, and believable. Williams feels pain and emotions, Zaina is an endearing know-it-all, and even the bartender gives you an idea of her personality before her brief appearance is over.
I love to read action/thriller novels, and this was a refreshing break from the repetitive tripe I've been reading for a while. An impressive first for Hildreth. I look forward to seeing more from him.
I love to read action/thriller novels, and this was a refreshing break from the repetitive tripe I've been reading for a while. An impressive first for Hildreth. I look forward to seeing more from him.
September 28, 2012
Hildreth’s debut novella is a fast-paced and adrenaline-infused journey through the prisons and streets of pre-revolution Egypt that had me anxiously turning each page, waiting to see what happens next. I have fallen out of love with the action/military thriller genre in recent years, but this was exactly what I needed to make me want to dive into these kinds of books all over again.
The novella focuses on Ben Williams--a tough, no-nonsense, man of action and a seasoned combat veteran—and Zaina Anwar, an Egyptian activist Williams is tasked with rescuing. Zaina has been imprisoned in Egypt as a result of radical radio broadcasts and Williams, rather than performing the traditional prison break from the outside, instead infiltrates the system to assist Zaina from within the prison’s walls. But escape, as it turns out, is perhaps the easiest part of their journey.
Throughout each chapter, Hildreth maintains a relentless pace, driving the story forward so that each page leaves you wanting to keep turning the next. He is not an author who wastes words on lengthy descriptions of setting, characters or conflict. Every sentence is aimed precisely at driving the narrative forward. Whereas so many authors succumb to the problem of “telling, not showing” when they attempt this kind of precision, Hildreth’s world and those who populate it remain vivid and real, and the narrative never loses its sense of urgency.
Though there are times when the action is a bit over-the-top, the story as a whole is riveting, well-researched and vivid. I am definitely looking forward to more and longer works from this author in the future.
The novella focuses on Ben Williams--a tough, no-nonsense, man of action and a seasoned combat veteran—and Zaina Anwar, an Egyptian activist Williams is tasked with rescuing. Zaina has been imprisoned in Egypt as a result of radical radio broadcasts and Williams, rather than performing the traditional prison break from the outside, instead infiltrates the system to assist Zaina from within the prison’s walls. But escape, as it turns out, is perhaps the easiest part of their journey.
Throughout each chapter, Hildreth maintains a relentless pace, driving the story forward so that each page leaves you wanting to keep turning the next. He is not an author who wastes words on lengthy descriptions of setting, characters or conflict. Every sentence is aimed precisely at driving the narrative forward. Whereas so many authors succumb to the problem of “telling, not showing” when they attempt this kind of precision, Hildreth’s world and those who populate it remain vivid and real, and the narrative never loses its sense of urgency.
Though there are times when the action is a bit over-the-top, the story as a whole is riveting, well-researched and vivid. I am definitely looking forward to more and longer works from this author in the future.
January 30, 2015
Gripping and tautly written
I delayed in reading this, but am glad I finally did. There are a few editorial bobbles, but the story is so good that the minor errors did not detract from it. Hildreth is on my TBR list of authors and that's a very short list.
I delayed in reading this, but am glad I finally did. There are a few editorial bobbles, but the story is so good that the minor errors did not detract from it. Hildreth is on my TBR list of authors and that's a very short list.
September 18, 2012
The First Bayonet is one of the most action-packed, nail-biting, adrenaline-fueled novels I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The thriller/action genre is not my usual literary poison, but I have been converted. Hildreth had me hooked from the first line and kept me there until the last word. I was pleasantly surprised at how adept he is in creating unique, believable characters. Each page held a new surprise, and Hildreth was certainly not afraid to throw everything in his arsenal (pardon the pun) at his main character, Ben Williams. Throughout the novel, bits and pieces of Williams' past is presented to us, and it becomes easier to understand him. He isn't just a mercenary, he is human, he is a soldier, and he personifies what it means to serve our country. He is fiercely loyal, and someone you would want on your side at any given time. In so many novels it seems like all the main players are the same, definitely not the case in this one. Steven Hildreth Jr. delivered one hell of a debut novel, and I absolutely cannot wait to read the sequel. He has a lifelong fan in me, and I will happily buy everything he writes. Simply put, I recommend this book to everyone.
February 13, 2014
The military action thriller genre is generally peopled by one of two types of books. Either they're written by alpha male writers, like Clive Cussler and Richard Marcinko, for men who want to live vicariously and experience dangerous and exciting missions, filled with action and more than one willing woman. The other type is by writers like Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy, and is for readers who appreciate intelligent, cerebral adventures.
Steven Hildreth's FIRST BAYONET combines both of these types of books into one fun, exciting, and well-written story. While the genre isn't my usual cup of tea, I'm glad I read this and I can't wait for the next Ben Williams adventure.
Steven Hildreth's FIRST BAYONET combines both of these types of books into one fun, exciting, and well-written story. While the genre isn't my usual cup of tea, I'm glad I read this and I can't wait for the next Ben Williams adventure.
April 21, 2012
An absolutely well written and brilliantly researched beginning to a groundbreaking series.
May 31, 2017
What I appreciated from the book was its authenticity. It's rare to find a book where the author gets the details right about tactics and weapons and often detracts from a story. You can tell the author knows the subject. Also , finally a good show down between the hero and the villain . That was my main complaint of Marcus Wynne's work and sometimes Clancys .
October 20, 2017
Excellent action!
Loved this book, action packed and smart. A great look into the world of a operator & the Conflicts in the Middle East.
Loved this book, action packed and smart. A great look into the world of a operator & the Conflicts in the Middle East.
July 1, 2015
I don't recall how I discovered this author or book...But I do remember that it was offered for free via Kindle. I added it to my Amazon account prior to having a smart phone...
When I got my Amazon Fire Phone, I was tinkering with it, learning about it, and rediscovered this! I typically prefer real books, not electronic...It's just how I am...I like the paper, the smell, the tangible item...But I also work in an environment that I cannot have regular paper or outside items...a very clean environment.
I started reading this when I was at work. I often have to wait for increments of time and typically find myself staring into space. We also have firewalls that cut out internet access...I decided to go ahead and read this even tho I prefer tangible books...
I am SO glad I did!!!
I decided to only read it at work, during these 'wait times'...to insure I had something interesting at those times...
I found myself being so excited to return to work so I could return to the story...
This book was literally 'edge of your seat'...
And so, I ALSO found myself squirming with anticipation and anxiety...
The descriptions Mr. Hildreth weaves, from fights, to torture, to characters...I LOVE. (Did that sound bad? I love descriptions of torture?)
I love detailed descriptions that make you feel like you're there...I'm not talking about tedium or minutia or endless lists...I'm talking about weaving a tapestry of descriptors...I LOVE that...scents, colors, feelings, temperature, clothes...It MAKES the stories that we love come alive.
I find authors that are vague or do not take time for character development lose me. Why write? It's laziness or lack of creativity.
Mr. Hildreth certainly does not have a problem with these...He's very talented, creative, imaginative.
I will say, I have read books with military jargon, I follow some military blogs, websites, FB pages, etc...I also enjoy firearms and shooting, have taken some minor training, and have my CCW, so I did understand the jargon in this book. I will then say, with regards to that, if you're in the market for a chick book with romance and flowers and aren't enthusiastic about weapons or tactical situations, this may not be for you...Be a bit of a weapons enthusiast or you may get sick of that information, but since I do enjoy firearms and reading about military strategy and combat, I loved this...
I do also love supporting the self-publishers...And I feel strongly about supporting our veterans (which then made me feel guilty about getting this for free)...So I am purchasing his second novel (which I discovered a portion of the proceeds will go to an org to help stop the horrible rates of veteran suicides) and cannot wait for it to release/arrive!
I'm amazed this is self-published. It was written SO well, it's as though Mr. Hildreth has been writing professionally for years. He must have an excellent editor as well.
I am trying to find more self-published, veteran work. He mentioned an author at the end of this book that I found and bought some of his work. I am going to start reading him tomorrow.
Note...I also like that Mr. Hildreth appears to be a conservative...Because I could not stomach supporting or reading work of a leftist. That's the ONLY issue I had with this book...the heroine was a little...lofty in her peaceful revolution goals...but then I read the end where Mr. Hildreth based her on an actual friend of his who experienced the Arab Spring, etc...so I lightened-up...a little. hahaha...
GREAT book. I hope this author is very successful throughout his career.
Five stars for self-published, veteran, great writing, and editing.
When I got my Amazon Fire Phone, I was tinkering with it, learning about it, and rediscovered this! I typically prefer real books, not electronic...It's just how I am...I like the paper, the smell, the tangible item...But I also work in an environment that I cannot have regular paper or outside items...a very clean environment.
I started reading this when I was at work. I often have to wait for increments of time and typically find myself staring into space. We also have firewalls that cut out internet access...I decided to go ahead and read this even tho I prefer tangible books...
I am SO glad I did!!!
I decided to only read it at work, during these 'wait times'...to insure I had something interesting at those times...
I found myself being so excited to return to work so I could return to the story...
This book was literally 'edge of your seat'...
And so, I ALSO found myself squirming with anticipation and anxiety...
The descriptions Mr. Hildreth weaves, from fights, to torture, to characters...I LOVE. (Did that sound bad? I love descriptions of torture?)
I love detailed descriptions that make you feel like you're there...I'm not talking about tedium or minutia or endless lists...I'm talking about weaving a tapestry of descriptors...I LOVE that...scents, colors, feelings, temperature, clothes...It MAKES the stories that we love come alive.
I find authors that are vague or do not take time for character development lose me. Why write? It's laziness or lack of creativity.
Mr. Hildreth certainly does not have a problem with these...He's very talented, creative, imaginative.
I will say, I have read books with military jargon, I follow some military blogs, websites, FB pages, etc...I also enjoy firearms and shooting, have taken some minor training, and have my CCW, so I did understand the jargon in this book. I will then say, with regards to that, if you're in the market for a chick book with romance and flowers and aren't enthusiastic about weapons or tactical situations, this may not be for you...Be a bit of a weapons enthusiast or you may get sick of that information, but since I do enjoy firearms and reading about military strategy and combat, I loved this...
I do also love supporting the self-publishers...And I feel strongly about supporting our veterans (which then made me feel guilty about getting this for free)...So I am purchasing his second novel (which I discovered a portion of the proceeds will go to an org to help stop the horrible rates of veteran suicides) and cannot wait for it to release/arrive!
I'm amazed this is self-published. It was written SO well, it's as though Mr. Hildreth has been writing professionally for years. He must have an excellent editor as well.
I am trying to find more self-published, veteran work. He mentioned an author at the end of this book that I found and bought some of his work. I am going to start reading him tomorrow.
Note...I also like that Mr. Hildreth appears to be a conservative...Because I could not stomach supporting or reading work of a leftist. That's the ONLY issue I had with this book...the heroine was a little...lofty in her peaceful revolution goals...but then I read the end where Mr. Hildreth based her on an actual friend of his who experienced the Arab Spring, etc...so I lightened-up...a little. hahaha...
GREAT book. I hope this author is very successful throughout his career.
Five stars for self-published, veteran, great writing, and editing.
May 21, 2016
I admit that I read this first novel second. I was travelling and bought SOVEREIGNS at an airport bookstore. I liked it so very much that I quickly sought out his first novel, THE FIRST BAYONET. This army veteran has written a fast-paced, action-packed military suspense thriller that is in keeping with my other favorite military vet-turned action heroes - like Brian Haig's Sean Drummond, or Brad Thor's Scott Horvath. or Mitch Rapp by VInce Flynn or Lee Child's Jack Reacher. The characters are well-developed. The writing is tight. It is especially note-worthy when we acknowledge that this a first novel I really care about Ben Williams, and look forward to the next adventure after his battle-weary body is healed from the last fisticuffs.
May 21, 2016
I admit that I read this first novel second. I was travelling and bought SOVEREIGNS at an airport bookstore. I liked it so very much that I quickly sought out his first novel, THE FIRST BAYONET. This army veteran has written a fast-paced, action-packed military suspense thriller that is in keeping with my other favorite military vet-turned action heroes - like Brian Haig's Sean Drummond, or Brad Thor's Scott Horvath. or Mitch Rapp by VInce Flynn or Lee Child's Jack Reacher. The characters are well-developed. The writing is tight. It is especially note-worthy when we acknowledge that this a first novel I really care about Ben Williams, and look forward to the next adventure after his battle-weary body is healed from the last fisticuffs.
September 14, 2015
The First Bayonet written by Steven Hildreth Jr. is a two fisted military action thriller that will keep your adrenaline pumping almost to the end. One of small faults with the book is that the story is a solid action tale up to the last couple of chapters where spends the remainder of the book cleaning up the political loose ends. I enjoyed the action far more than the political intrigue.
A nice start for Mister Hildreth.
A nice start for Mister Hildreth.
November 22, 2022
Perhaps my age has affected my reading, but the unbelievable {one individual fighting and killing 5/6 others} time and again with explosives and unique weapons stashed in a country run by a dictator and police state are beyond me.
June 5, 2014
Wow
Wow
Seeing that this is a first for Mr. Children I am impressed. Some of the scenes were forced and a tad unbelievable but
Wow
Seeing that this is a first for Mr. Children I am impressed. Some of the scenes were forced and a tad unbelievable but
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews