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Sovereign Order
Terrorists from around the world! Sarin gas from Syrian stockpiles! Innocents gathered at a revered sporting event unaware of impending disaster! Today's headlines? Yes. But also the heart of James Macomber's fourth novel "Sovereign Order" where, once again, Macomber has written about events in the world before they even occur. The sublimely evil villain is Rashid al-Nassef, long thought dead but actually living under Iranian protection, After several years of chafing in his "velvet prison" he receives the go-ahead to launch what will be the most destructive and horrific terrorist attack in history. The assault is multi-leveled in both its substance and in its actors. The "martyrs" who will execute the plan come from many places; a Bosnian youth designated by al-Nassef to set off the first in a series of assaults, the young Belgian woman whose fanaticism as a Christian leads her to seek the love of Mohammed, the tyrannical and abusive Albanian Muslim and his wife and child who will effect the diversionary explosion on the day of the race, the Scots lawyer seduced into Islam as a youth, and finally, al-Nassef himself who will unleash the final act of horror - a multi-layered attack on the Monaco Grand Prix intended to kill tens of thousand immediately and leave an entire nation unlivable for decades to come.
328 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
James Macomber
11 books3 followersJames Macomber is the author of the international legal thrillers featuring former Special Forces/NSA/CIA operator, now lawyer, John Cann — whom Booklist described as a “strong, multi-layered protagonist with the star power to keep this series going for a very long time”. But Macomber's novels are about more than just Cann. They feature an ensemble cast of memorable characters centering on the 'players' at a Washington DC international law firm with very close ties to the intelligence community. Notable among them is Katherine Price, also a lawyer with a past, hers in counter-terror at the Department of Justice and the State Department.
In novels that reflect and often predict actual events, “Bargained for Exchange” dealt with terrorists in academia, “Art & Part”, assassinations in the Netherlands during the trial of the Pan Am 103 Lockerbie bombers, and “A Grave Breach”, with atrocities, international organized crime and human trafficking against the backdrop of the Bosnian war crimes trials. It was in “A Grave Breach”, that the character of Katherine Price was introduced and she became, in fact, the hero of the novel. By popular demand, she and John got together in the fourth Macomber novel, “Sovereign Order” where they attend the Monaco Grand Prix and risk losing everything to a horrifying WMD attack on the “crown jewel of formula Grand Prix racing”.
Jim's latest release is “Extraordinary Rendition” which introduces former Air Force para-rescue Jake Priestly who must battle enemies foreign and domestic, human and otherwise to save a judge whose disappearance threatens the balance of the United States Supreme Court.
And in the not too distant future, look for “A Walk With the Sun” which features John and Katherine, of course, and takes place in Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands.
Also, check out Jim's short story, “Execution Dock” which is featured in the International Thriller Writers third thriller anthology, “Love is Murder”.
James Macomber is a former serviceman, college student, bartender, waiter, salesman, tennis instructor, actor, photographer and practicing attorney. He was born and raised in New England and now lives in Florida,
Visit Jim's website at www.jamesmacomber.com.
In novels that reflect and often predict actual events, “Bargained for Exchange” dealt with terrorists in academia, “Art & Part”, assassinations in the Netherlands during the trial of the Pan Am 103 Lockerbie bombers, and “A Grave Breach”, with atrocities, international organized crime and human trafficking against the backdrop of the Bosnian war crimes trials. It was in “A Grave Breach”, that the character of Katherine Price was introduced and she became, in fact, the hero of the novel. By popular demand, she and John got together in the fourth Macomber novel, “Sovereign Order” where they attend the Monaco Grand Prix and risk losing everything to a horrifying WMD attack on the “crown jewel of formula Grand Prix racing”.
Jim's latest release is “Extraordinary Rendition” which introduces former Air Force para-rescue Jake Priestly who must battle enemies foreign and domestic, human and otherwise to save a judge whose disappearance threatens the balance of the United States Supreme Court.
And in the not too distant future, look for “A Walk With the Sun” which features John and Katherine, of course, and takes place in Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands.
Also, check out Jim's short story, “Execution Dock” which is featured in the International Thriller Writers third thriller anthology, “Love is Murder”.
James Macomber is a former serviceman, college student, bartender, waiter, salesman, tennis instructor, actor, photographer and practicing attorney. He was born and raised in New England and now lives in Florida,
Visit Jim's website at www.jamesmacomber.com.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 25, 2022
Although this is the fourth book in this series, this was my first experience of James Macomber's books featuring John Cann, former Special Forces Operative, and it read well as a standalone.
The plot involves Rashid al- Nassef - a terrorist long thought to be dead, but he's plotting what he intends to be, the most destructive and horrific terrorist attack in history. Cann has encountered al- Nassef's evil attacks in the past, and is determined to stop him, especially when his fiancée, Katherine Price, gets herself a little too involved in al- Nassef's plot.
The character's were well drawn, and we're able to get right inside the minds of al- Nassef and his 'martyrs' ( they're from all different walks of life) but they all have the same beliefs, and they intend to punish those who have opposing beliefs.
The pace was good, the tension built up perfectly, and the suspense made it hard for me to put this book down at times. The plot was scary in that it has parallels to what is happening right now in the world, and as this particular plot revolves around the Monaco Grand Prix,( an event that attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators ) it really is a terrifying prospect. As I said, this was my first experience of James Macomber, but I don't think it will be my last.
The plot involves Rashid al- Nassef - a terrorist long thought to be dead, but he's plotting what he intends to be, the most destructive and horrific terrorist attack in history. Cann has encountered al- Nassef's evil attacks in the past, and is determined to stop him, especially when his fiancée, Katherine Price, gets herself a little too involved in al- Nassef's plot.
The character's were well drawn, and we're able to get right inside the minds of al- Nassef and his 'martyrs' ( they're from all different walks of life) but they all have the same beliefs, and they intend to punish those who have opposing beliefs.
The pace was good, the tension built up perfectly, and the suspense made it hard for me to put this book down at times. The plot was scary in that it has parallels to what is happening right now in the world, and as this particular plot revolves around the Monaco Grand Prix,( an event that attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators ) it really is a terrifying prospect. As I said, this was my first experience of James Macomber, but I don't think it will be my last.
December 29, 2023
I recently delved into James Macomber's latest novel, "Sovereign Order," and found myself captivated by its gripping narrative and chilling portrayal of a world on the brink of unthinkable terror. Macomber, once again, showcases his knack for predicting and exploring global events before they unfold, delivering a thrilling and prescient tale that feels eerily relevant to today's headlines.
At the heart of the novel is the sublimely evil antagonist, Rashid al-Nassef, who has been living under Iranian protection, biding his time for the green light to unleash the most destructive terrorist attack in history. The intricate web of characters involved in the plot adds depth and complexity to the storyline, making "Sovereign Order" a multifaceted exploration of terrorism's dark underbelly.
Macomber masterfully weaves together the stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds, each driven by their unique motivations to play a role in al-Nassef's diabolical plan. From the Bosnian youth tasked with initiating the first assault to the Belgian woman entangled in a web of fanaticism, the novel offers a compelling portrayal of the diverse and far-reaching consequences of extremism.
One of the strengths of Macomber's storytelling lies in his ability to create fully fleshed-out characters, each with their own intricate backstories and moral dilemmas. The reader becomes deeply invested in their fates, heightening the suspense as the narrative hurtles towards the devastating climax at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The tension builds steadily throughout the novel, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the characters' paths converge towards the heart-stopping climax. The author's meticulous research and attention to detail contribute to the authenticity of the plot, making the unfolding events feel disturbingly plausible.
While "Sovereign Order" is undeniably a riveting and thought-provoking read, I reserve my four-star rating due to some moments where the pacing felt a tad uneven. Additionally, the complexity of the plot, while adding depth, may be challenging for readers who prefer a more straightforward narrative.
In conclusion, James Macomber's "Sovereign Order" is a must-read for those who appreciate a suspenseful thriller grounded in the harsh realities of our world. With its intricate characters, timely themes, and a pulse-pounding plot, this novel is a testament to Macomber's storytelling prowess and his ability to offer readers a glimpse into the dark corners of international intrigue.
At the heart of the novel is the sublimely evil antagonist, Rashid al-Nassef, who has been living under Iranian protection, biding his time for the green light to unleash the most destructive terrorist attack in history. The intricate web of characters involved in the plot adds depth and complexity to the storyline, making "Sovereign Order" a multifaceted exploration of terrorism's dark underbelly.
Macomber masterfully weaves together the stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds, each driven by their unique motivations to play a role in al-Nassef's diabolical plan. From the Bosnian youth tasked with initiating the first assault to the Belgian woman entangled in a web of fanaticism, the novel offers a compelling portrayal of the diverse and far-reaching consequences of extremism.
One of the strengths of Macomber's storytelling lies in his ability to create fully fleshed-out characters, each with their own intricate backstories and moral dilemmas. The reader becomes deeply invested in their fates, heightening the suspense as the narrative hurtles towards the devastating climax at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The tension builds steadily throughout the novel, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the characters' paths converge towards the heart-stopping climax. The author's meticulous research and attention to detail contribute to the authenticity of the plot, making the unfolding events feel disturbingly plausible.
While "Sovereign Order" is undeniably a riveting and thought-provoking read, I reserve my four-star rating due to some moments where the pacing felt a tad uneven. Additionally, the complexity of the plot, while adding depth, may be challenging for readers who prefer a more straightforward narrative.
In conclusion, James Macomber's "Sovereign Order" is a must-read for those who appreciate a suspenseful thriller grounded in the harsh realities of our world. With its intricate characters, timely themes, and a pulse-pounding plot, this novel is a testament to Macomber's storytelling prowess and his ability to offer readers a glimpse into the dark corners of international intrigue.
April 3, 2015
I felt this book just didn't suit me, as the level of violence and body count was high from the start. I also had not read any previous books by this author and apparently his main characters have a backstory in previous books, so anyone who has been following them may enjoy this tale more.
The focus is on a plot to bomb the Monaco Grand Prix. We hear a lot about racing cars and motor racing in Scotland, and we also hear a lot about the atrocities carried out by a terrorist, rather than seeing much action in the early part. The next thing a brainwashed suicide bomber kills himself on a church steps, so there are body parts everywhere, and it goes on from there as the terrorist (who has rather given away his presence) plans to release Sarin gas.
I didn't get into any of the 'good' characters' heads, but it could be that the author knows them well enough by now not to draw them as complex characters each time, or that he wanted to get on with the dastardly deeds. Anyway, I enjoyed the fast cars, but some thriller fans will get a lot more out of this than I did. I also don't like the cover. It shows nothing much in a thumbnail except fire, and the author's name is unreadable.
The focus is on a plot to bomb the Monaco Grand Prix. We hear a lot about racing cars and motor racing in Scotland, and we also hear a lot about the atrocities carried out by a terrorist, rather than seeing much action in the early part. The next thing a brainwashed suicide bomber kills himself on a church steps, so there are body parts everywhere, and it goes on from there as the terrorist (who has rather given away his presence) plans to release Sarin gas.
I didn't get into any of the 'good' characters' heads, but it could be that the author knows them well enough by now not to draw them as complex characters each time, or that he wanted to get on with the dastardly deeds. Anyway, I enjoyed the fast cars, but some thriller fans will get a lot more out of this than I did. I also don't like the cover. It shows nothing much in a thumbnail except fire, and the author's name is unreadable.
May 8, 2014
enjoyed this book the best. Author's growth obvious. Great character and plot development
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews