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Red Cell Trilogy #1
Arctic Fire
Troy Jensen could do it he conquered the Seven Summits, sailed solo around the world twice, and even fought a bull in a Mexican slum on a dare. So when word comes that a rogue wave has swept Troy off a crab fishing boat in the Bering Sea and into a watery grave, his brother, Jack, doesn’t buy it.Against his better judgment, Jack decides to quit his job as a Wall Street trader and head to Dutch Harbor, Alaska, to investigate. Minutes after revealing his plan in his father’s New York City office, Jack is nearly run down in the street. He doesn’t think much of it at the time, but as he digs deeper into Troy’s disappearance, Jack unearths information about RED-CELL-SEVEN (RCS), a super-secret American intelligence group that has operated for forty years in almost total secrecy and with complete impunity—and its leaders intend to keep it that way at any cost.An adrenaline-pumping tale of one man’s descent into a hellish underworld populated by terrorists, assassins, and very bad “good guys,” Arctic Fire explores the disturbing difference between doing what is good and doing what is right when it comes to protecting America from her greatest enemies.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2012
481 people are currently reading
717 people want to read
About the author
Stephen W. Frey
28 books281 followersFor the last 15 years I’ve been lucky enough to be a novelist. Until recently the books were set in the worlds of Wall Street and Washington. In addition to writing, I’ve also had a career in finance with specialties including merger & acquisition advisory and private equity at firms like J.P. Morgan in New York City and Winston Partners just outside D.C. in northern Virginia.
So, it seemed natural to write about those two worlds and, fortunately, the publishing industry agreed. My first book was published in 1995, The Takeover; about a secret group of men who were trying to destroy the U.S. monetary system by engineering a massive corporate takeover. I have followed The Takeover with 13 more novels all set in high-level finance and national politics.
Recently, I decided to alter the theme. The novels will still have a financial focus, but Wall Street won’t be the backdrop. We’ll get out into the world more. And there will be a man versus nature element for the hero in every novel. Hell’s Gate, available August 2009, is set in Montana and involves forest fires and why many of them start.
I live in southwest Florida with my wife, Diana, and we have since 2004 after moving down here from northern Virginia. Given the new direction of my books, it seems like a hurricane ought to make an appearance in a novel sometime soon.
So, it seemed natural to write about those two worlds and, fortunately, the publishing industry agreed. My first book was published in 1995, The Takeover; about a secret group of men who were trying to destroy the U.S. monetary system by engineering a massive corporate takeover. I have followed The Takeover with 13 more novels all set in high-level finance and national politics.
Recently, I decided to alter the theme. The novels will still have a financial focus, but Wall Street won’t be the backdrop. We’ll get out into the world more. And there will be a man versus nature element for the hero in every novel. Hell’s Gate, available August 2009, is set in Montana and involves forest fires and why many of them start.
I live in southwest Florida with my wife, Diana, and we have since 2004 after moving down here from northern Virginia. Given the new direction of my books, it seems like a hurricane ought to make an appearance in a novel sometime soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
March 15, 2013
Couldn't bring myself to finish it after about 70%. It's just too...simple. If I was going to sit down and write a book based on general stereotypes pulled from every spy movie I've ever seen, with descriptions of places based on what I'd seen on the Discovery Channel, and finish it off with the most canned and corny names for my characters I could think of....well, in the end, I'd have produced Arctic Fire.
December 6, 2012
Maybe less. First of all, it is a mile long but only an inch deep - all action, such as a James Bond movie, and very little substance. Secondly, action books tend not to be too descriptive, but this one had so little description I began to wonder if he has actually been to these places, especially Dutch Harbor, a fascinating fishing complex on the Aleutians which I have visited many times (one of the reasons I purchased the book). Thirdly, it was a political issue novel (national security vs. individual freedom), but the author seemed unwilling to take a stand, veering wildly from the "liberal" to "conservative" positions. Finally, as it is the first in a series, it did not surprise me there was a "cliffhanger," but three? Does he not know where he wants to go next? An OK read, but just barely.
December 10, 2025
More like 3.5, but I'll round up. This is an entertaining spy/ adventure novel, one you don't have to think real hard while reading it... a "beach book" in the vein of Clancy or Ludlum. The main characters are engaging, and the plot, while predictable, was solid.
January 11, 2015
I first decided to read Arctic Fire by Stephen Frey because I was looking for a good action/adventure read. Having found the book’s cover to be appealing and the plot summary to be interesting – I decided I’d go for it.
In Arctic Fire, readers meet Troy Jensen, daredevil extraordinaire – a man who never met anything he couldn't conquer, achieve or excel at. That is, not until he decided to take a job on a crab boat named Arctic Fire where his luck apparently changed for the worse. Not long after leaving port, Troy was knocked overboard by a massive rogue wave and drowned in the Bering Sea.
News of Troy’s death is met with feelings of intense shock and disbelief from his friends and loved ones. Most of them realize that they need to let go and find a way to come-to-terms with this terrible tragedy. And everyone does just that – everyone except for Troy’s brother Jack. Jack couldn't believe that his ‘untouchable’ brother had succumbed to the ocean’s fury while the remainder of the Arctic Fire’s crew had survived without so much as even a scratch. That wasn’t the way the world worked for Troy. Troy always saved those around him, and, more often than not, he would only have a bruise or two to show for his efforts.
Intent on finding his brother, Jack high-tails it to Alaska before Troy’s trail can get any colder. (Yes, pun intended). And while Jack desperately wants to uncover the truth, he soon learns that there is a higher power that wants the reasons behind Troy’s fate to remain concealed.
Without providing any additional storyline, let me just say that Arctic Fire was a fast-paced, interesting and well-written read (although I sometimes felt as if I was watching an episode of Deadliest Catch). My only complaint(?) about Arctic Fire was that I didn't really ‘get’ the ending – I’m hoping that was just Frey’s way of extending the plot to an upcoming sequel.
In Arctic Fire, readers meet Troy Jensen, daredevil extraordinaire – a man who never met anything he couldn't conquer, achieve or excel at. That is, not until he decided to take a job on a crab boat named Arctic Fire where his luck apparently changed for the worse. Not long after leaving port, Troy was knocked overboard by a massive rogue wave and drowned in the Bering Sea.
News of Troy’s death is met with feelings of intense shock and disbelief from his friends and loved ones. Most of them realize that they need to let go and find a way to come-to-terms with this terrible tragedy. And everyone does just that – everyone except for Troy’s brother Jack. Jack couldn't believe that his ‘untouchable’ brother had succumbed to the ocean’s fury while the remainder of the Arctic Fire’s crew had survived without so much as even a scratch. That wasn’t the way the world worked for Troy. Troy always saved those around him, and, more often than not, he would only have a bruise or two to show for his efforts.
Intent on finding his brother, Jack high-tails it to Alaska before Troy’s trail can get any colder. (Yes, pun intended). And while Jack desperately wants to uncover the truth, he soon learns that there is a higher power that wants the reasons behind Troy’s fate to remain concealed.
Without providing any additional storyline, let me just say that Arctic Fire was a fast-paced, interesting and well-written read (although I sometimes felt as if I was watching an episode of Deadliest Catch). My only complaint(?) about Arctic Fire was that I didn't really ‘get’ the ending – I’m hoping that was just Frey’s way of extending the plot to an upcoming sequel.
February 15, 2013
This story was interesting. The body counts are huge. Arnold in his heyday couldn't slaughter so many. I originally rated this story a "2" star, but it deserves a "1" due to numerous victims and the ending. You wonder if the author is as schizophrenic and demented as his characters...Disappointed and unfulfilled. 1 of 10 stars.
October 27, 2012
Two brothers, one the 'Golden Boy,' one always feeling second best. This is a great 'adventure/espionage' read that would appeal to anyone wanting to see things larger than life and a little 'unbelievable'. Great characters, lots of action.
November 18, 2013
This was an excellent spy/mystery novel. First time to read Mr.Frey, but will not be the last. The ideas that he used could very well be in play right now (scary). If you enjoy mysteries, you should like this book.
October 22, 2014
If you value decent writing, do not, under any circumstances, read this book. And under even fewer circumstances should you ever subject your ears to the audio version of this book.
You've been warned.
You've been warned.
January 21, 2017
Tons of action and killings. If there are Red Cells in the real world helping countries it is scary.
I liked the story and look forward to reading #2.
I liked the story and look forward to reading #2.
March 14, 2015
This is the first book I've read by Frey and I enjoyed it. The cloak-and-dagger aspect is what I expected and being a long-time fan of 'The Deadliest Catch,' the brief time the story spent off the coast of Dutch Harbor and in the Bering Sea was satisfying.
I should have realized this was a series, however, because the cliffhanger ending was less an actual 'ending' than driving and finding out abruptly the road ends and you're being asked to hurtle across a gaping chasm. The problem is that I wasn't expecting it and so I'm not mentally prepared to take that leap. I'm interested, but not entirely up for the journey just yet. The characters were only a little more complex than the garden-variety covert spy organization that zealously protects blissfully unaware citizens and politicians alike.
I should have realized this was a series, however, because the cliffhanger ending was less an actual 'ending' than driving and finding out abruptly the road ends and you're being asked to hurtle across a gaping chasm. The problem is that I wasn't expecting it and so I'm not mentally prepared to take that leap. I'm interested, but not entirely up for the journey just yet. The characters were only a little more complex than the garden-variety covert spy organization that zealously protects blissfully unaware citizens and politicians alike.
March 6, 2021
Arctic Fire started out pretty strong; multiple storylines were developed and the main characters were introduced with the right amount of tension and family drama. It started to slow down and get confusing in the middle. First, the “hero” Jack spent too many chapters traveling to Alaska and falling for an ex-cop. Second, when exactly did Red Cell Seven decide to take action against the president? If Maddux was able to get Carlson on board, why send Troy (and Charlie Banks) over the edge of the crab boat? Third, Jack asks his mom about his dad; why don’t we know the answer? The ending is where the story disappoints. There were four storylines to wrap up, (get the girl, save the president, stop the ship, stop Maddux), but two were handled with about two paragraphs apiece, and two strained believability. The end-end hurried along to set the story up for a sequel without creating a satisfying conclusion. No tears for Hunter? Lisa? What about baby Jack? Did Troy go back to look for Maddux? Why shoot up the malls if RCS is “safe?” This is no Tom Clancy thriller with pages of technical depth, but some more pages to create deeper characters would have been appreciated.
September 20, 2017
This was a fairly quick read, but it's almost a tale of two books: the first half was pretty good, and the second half left a lot to be desired because there were several plot lines left unfinished, and without having a spoiler the ending was rather strange and left me thinking "that's it?"
Stephen Frey is a good writer, and has the basics down pat in order to write a good thriller. With the ending the way it was, it all seemed like a huge setup to make you purchase more books in the series (and there are more books in this new series). Because of my disappointment with the last half of the book, I'm going to give them a pass. If you don't like incomplete storylines, I would recommend you give this one a pass, also.
Stephen Frey is a good writer, and has the basics down pat in order to write a good thriller. With the ending the way it was, it all seemed like a huge setup to make you purchase more books in the series (and there are more books in this new series). Because of my disappointment with the last half of the book, I'm going to give them a pass. If you don't like incomplete storylines, I would recommend you give this one a pass, also.
August 18, 2018
Early in Stephen Frey’s career I read all of his Wall Street” financial mysteries. In the 2010’s his writing moved from Wall Street to more mysteries of intrigue. Recently I found this novel from 2012 only to learn that it is a trilogy that my library only purchased “Arctic Fire.”
I enjoy this one so much that I have ordered books 2 and 3 of this series from Amazon. I think you will enjoy this political intrigue mystery.
I enjoy this one so much that I have ordered books 2 and 3 of this series from Amazon. I think you will enjoy this political intrigue mystery.
September 23, 2018
Slow burn...
This story was really hard to get into...it took a good 22 chapters for the pace to really pick up. It leaves a good opening for the next book but I think it was a less than satisfying ending. You don't know the characters reactions to the loss of friends and loved ones nor does it wrap up the loose ends within the story. Nothing is mentioned about Troy's son, or Jack's friends, or their mother's reaction.
This story was really hard to get into...it took a good 22 chapters for the pace to really pick up. It leaves a good opening for the next book but I think it was a less than satisfying ending. You don't know the characters reactions to the loss of friends and loved ones nor does it wrap up the loose ends within the story. Nothing is mentioned about Troy's son, or Jack's friends, or their mother's reaction.
July 5, 2018
Frightening possibilities.
Take a passion and push it too far. Add to that passion the knowledge, skills, weapons and paranoia necessary to create one scary villain and welcome to Attic Fire. A bit of a cliffhanger ending t so eager to see what book 2 holds and where out main characters go next.
Take a passion and push it too far. Add to that passion the knowledge, skills, weapons and paranoia necessary to create one scary villain and welcome to Attic Fire. A bit of a cliffhanger ending t so eager to see what book 2 holds and where out main characters go next.
August 31, 2018
Very Good
This story was very good. It kept my attention. The story of an underground spy network was both intriguing and scary. You want the good guys to win but are they truly good guys? What's more important: your country or your family? I hope you enjoy reading this book. Happy Reading.
This story was very good. It kept my attention. The story of an underground spy network was both intriguing and scary. You want the good guys to win but are they truly good guys? What's more important: your country or your family? I hope you enjoy reading this book. Happy Reading.
July 27, 2019
Disappointing - I thought the “love” connection amidst the better written action pieces was worse then a teenage romance - hard to believe it was written like that in this day and age. And the ending? Stupid. I really dislike stories without a proper ending even if they are trying to set you up for the next book. Do not recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2019
This was such a terrible book, I could not get beyond the second chapter. It was so disappointing because I'd read good books by Frey. This is about impossibly stupid characters doing impossibly stupid things and taking impossibly reckless chances and surviving in the most impossible way possible. It was impossible for me to finish such unadulterated rubbish.
March 26, 2023
I see that this is a trilogy. I won’t be reading the other two. There were times reading Arctic Fire I would have to read paragraphs or character interactions over and over and still wouldn’t understand what was going on. Oh yeah and the nauseating, over the top, it’s all for the US and country non-sense was really cringy.
March 7, 2018
Not very good
Pretty far fetched plot and comic book characters w typical heroes and bad guys racing against the clock and diabolical villain. Probably wasted money buying the three set series
Pretty far fetched plot and comic book characters w typical heroes and bad guys racing against the clock and diabolical villain. Probably wasted money buying the three set series
March 23, 2018
A good warm up for the second book in the series.
The background of Red Cell Seven opens up so many avenues for future plot lines and wrinkles.
I came into this book after reading another book with RCS and am glad to have gone back to the beginning of this series.
The background of Red Cell Seven opens up so many avenues for future plot lines and wrinkles.
I came into this book after reading another book with RCS and am glad to have gone back to the beginning of this series.
May 15, 2020
Predictable, need more coherent conclusion
A chaotic read from the beginning with segues needing better transition. My first Frey book. Probably stay with the likes of Grisham or Silva.
A chaotic read from the beginning with segues needing better transition. My first Frey book. Probably stay with the likes of Grisham or Silva.
June 26, 2020
On hearing his brother Troy Jensen is dead, Jack goes looking for answers. What he finds is more then he ever expected, which puts his life in danger and that of the American people. Good story, although perhaps lacking a bit of depth of characters.
May 19, 2017
3.5 stars. nice quick listen with some (predictable) twists. Crazy ending tho. Set up for a sequel. But I think I will pass. So many other better books to read!
August 4, 2017
A brother pact
Spying as a family business is genius. Especially when you have both left and right wings going at it. This series can only get better.
Spying as a family business is genius. Especially when you have both left and right wings going at it. This series can only get better.
September 5, 2017
Good read!
Lots of action good timeline and accurate geographic and travel sequences. Looking forward to the other books in the series..
Lots of action good timeline and accurate geographic and travel sequences. Looking forward to the other books in the series..
April 3, 2018
An excellent novel.
Crisp characterizations; clever plot and development there of: good twists to keep you thinking, Interesting location in final chapters. Enjoy!
Crisp characterizations; clever plot and development there of: good twists to keep you thinking, Interesting location in final chapters. Enjoy!
April 17, 2018
Good book and ending
Ending not good should tell what happened to Lisa's baby. Was Jack dead or just sounded. I suppose we have to read the next book
Ending not good should tell what happened to Lisa's baby. Was Jack dead or just sounded. I suppose we have to read the next book
April 20, 2018
Very good read.
I'm a big fan of Tom Clancy and Clive cussler and this was certainly on par! Hope the next book is as good!
I'm a big fan of Tom Clancy and Clive cussler and this was certainly on par! Hope the next book is as good!
July 14, 2018
Good summer beach read
The lack of complexity in the story line and the jumping around of characters did not appeal to me. A good summer read.
The lack of complexity in the story line and the jumping around of characters did not appeal to me. A good summer read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews