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Alex King #2
Lies and Retribution
Thinking he has left the shadowy world of MI6 behind him, King finds himself caught between a radical Imam and a Russian sleeper cell with plans for Western destruction, and suspects not only that the two threats are linked, but that the deception goes far deeper…
473 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2016
305 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
A.P. Bateman
44 books79 followersA P Bateman is the author of seventeen novels, with twelve of his titles reaching No.1 in Amazon's paid top 100 categories in all Amazon regions and four titles reaching No.1 in Kindle sales in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.
He has a background in close protection and investigations which has given him a unique insight into the scenarios and locations his characters find themselves in.
His hobbies are swimming, driving, archery, shooting and food; his passions are travel and writing.
He has recently released his seventeenth novel - "Hunter Killer" - the twelfth book in the highly acclaimed Alex King series.
You can keep up with A P Bateman and discover more at his Facebook page: @authorapbateman or his website: www.apbateman.com
Reading Order:
The Rob Stone Series:
1) The Ares Virus
2) The Town
3) The Island
The Alex King Series:
1) The Contract Man
2) Lies and Retribution
3) Shadows of Good Friday (A series prequel)
4) The Five
5) Reaper
6) Stormbound
7) Breakout
8) From the Shadows
9) Rogue
10) The Asset
11) Last Man Standing
12) Hunter Killer
Standalone Novels:
Hell's Mouth
Unforgotten
Short Stories:
The Perfect Murder?
Atonement (an Alex King thriller)
He has a background in close protection and investigations which has given him a unique insight into the scenarios and locations his characters find themselves in.
His hobbies are swimming, driving, archery, shooting and food; his passions are travel and writing.
He has recently released his seventeenth novel - "Hunter Killer" - the twelfth book in the highly acclaimed Alex King series.
You can keep up with A P Bateman and discover more at his Facebook page: @authorapbateman or his website: www.apbateman.com
Reading Order:
The Rob Stone Series:
1) The Ares Virus
2) The Town
3) The Island
The Alex King Series:
1) The Contract Man
2) Lies and Retribution
3) Shadows of Good Friday (A series prequel)
4) The Five
5) Reaper
6) Stormbound
7) Breakout
8) From the Shadows
9) Rogue
10) The Asset
11) Last Man Standing
12) Hunter Killer
Standalone Novels:
Hell's Mouth
Unforgotten
Short Stories:
The Perfect Murder?
Atonement (an Alex King thriller)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 6, 2020
New Characters In The Terrorist World Make Themselves Known..Can King Finish them?
Many new people show themselves, and we learn of just What they have done and who they are! A little slow to start as we see the horror several of these terrorists have brought, then are pulled into a plot by M15 to end them all...Alex King has been laying low since the abrupt ending of his M16 career...Can He be compelled to join in with M15, as an independent contractor, speaking to just one man...A man with a vision to damn the 'rules' ...Just remove All who wish harm upon Britain?!
A thrilling read with action, fear and a chance of happiness long thought impossible to find....
Many new people show themselves, and we learn of just What they have done and who they are! A little slow to start as we see the horror several of these terrorists have brought, then are pulled into a plot by M15 to end them all...Alex King has been laying low since the abrupt ending of his M16 career...Can He be compelled to join in with M15, as an independent contractor, speaking to just one man...A man with a vision to damn the 'rules' ...Just remove All who wish harm upon Britain?!
A thrilling read with action, fear and a chance of happiness long thought impossible to find....
February 1, 2021
Another excellent thriller by Bateman.
While this is billed as an Alex King novel he doesn't make an appearance in the first third of the book. That's dedicated to backstory and setting up the main scenario. Many minor characters to try to keep track of early on.
The character, Alex King, could just as easily be named Mitch Rapp. He's that kind of "just kill 'em and let God sort them out" kind of guy. And Bateman has a habit of killing off secondary and minor characters. Throw in a couple of twists here and there and you have a very good read.
Kindle Unlimited.
While this is billed as an Alex King novel he doesn't make an appearance in the first third of the book. That's dedicated to backstory and setting up the main scenario. Many minor characters to try to keep track of early on.
The character, Alex King, could just as easily be named Mitch Rapp. He's that kind of "just kill 'em and let God sort them out" kind of guy. And Bateman has a habit of killing off secondary and minor characters. Throw in a couple of twists here and there and you have a very good read.
Kindle Unlimited.
December 5, 2021
Story wasn't that great, and narration was terrible. I don't know - maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this one :)
November 1, 2020
Very Enjoyable
Not sure how I’ve missed finding this series til now, but glad I finally did. I read an awful lot of books and am always looking for a cool new character. Alex King is exactly that.
Not sure how I’ve missed finding this series til now, but glad I finally did. I read an awful lot of books and am always looking for a cool new character. Alex King is exactly that.
June 8, 2017
Another excellent no-holds-barred Alex King thriller
I have now read all three of the Alex King thrillers so am rather running out of things to say about the series. The fact that I read them in the wrong order really didn’t matter too much as they are each stand-alone reads although in an ideal world it would be better to take each in the correct sequence.
On rare occasions as a reviewer you come across an author who you actively look forward to reading and can’t wait to start on the next novel. Such an author is A P Bateman. His stories are well constructed and gritty. They hang together well and take you on a make-believe journey to a world which although recognisable, and parallels our own, bears no resemblance to the lives most of us lead day to day. They are pure escapism and “Lies and Retribution” is no exception.
The dialogue is punchy and believable and the characters are nicely fleshed out. There is even a love interest in this particular novel and it is totally within the character of the book that the detailed gropings of our hero and his latest squeeze are kept to a minimum. In this genre these things are best left to the reader’s imagination.
However, the book is not without its flaws. For some reason (and it may have been me) I found the actions disjointed. There were several sub-plots and it was difficult at times to keep track and remember who was involved in which one. This is a minor criticism though and did not detract from the enjoyment.
So. Not perfect – but another hell of a good read.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
I have now read all three of the Alex King thrillers so am rather running out of things to say about the series. The fact that I read them in the wrong order really didn’t matter too much as they are each stand-alone reads although in an ideal world it would be better to take each in the correct sequence.
On rare occasions as a reviewer you come across an author who you actively look forward to reading and can’t wait to start on the next novel. Such an author is A P Bateman. His stories are well constructed and gritty. They hang together well and take you on a make-believe journey to a world which although recognisable, and parallels our own, bears no resemblance to the lives most of us lead day to day. They are pure escapism and “Lies and Retribution” is no exception.
The dialogue is punchy and believable and the characters are nicely fleshed out. There is even a love interest in this particular novel and it is totally within the character of the book that the detailed gropings of our hero and his latest squeeze are kept to a minimum. In this genre these things are best left to the reader’s imagination.
However, the book is not without its flaws. For some reason (and it may have been me) I found the actions disjointed. There were several sub-plots and it was difficult at times to keep track and remember who was involved in which one. This is a minor criticism though and did not detract from the enjoyment.
So. Not perfect – but another hell of a good read.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
October 25, 2020
Riveting Espionage And Suspense
I am generally loathe to British written novels. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, probably because there was less of what I call "droning". By which I mean there was less verbiage that tends to bore. The writing was crisp and I absolutely loved the characters who were quirky, flawed and real. It was easy to identify with them and feel their stresses and disappointments. And though the world may have seen the plot as something fantastical it came across as entirely plausible. I was engrossed and caught up in the story by the end of page one. Five strong stars!
I am generally loathe to British written novels. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, probably because there was less of what I call "droning". By which I mean there was less verbiage that tends to bore. The writing was crisp and I absolutely loved the characters who were quirky, flawed and real. It was easy to identify with them and feel their stresses and disappointments. And though the world may have seen the plot as something fantastical it came across as entirely plausible. I was engrossed and caught up in the story by the end of page one. Five strong stars!
June 12, 2023
You Rogue Alex. I like it!!!
Plenty of weaponry details for the less knowledgeable. Wild, crazy, fearful, sad and shocking. Good to see Hereford mentioned (SAS) and Cheltenham, just a few miles from me, experiencing low flying jets that make my goosebumps pop and adrenaline surge. Another crime thriller author asked me for a one word preview as he had A P Bateman books in his tbr reads, that was easy ‘Explosive’ not fully realising how true that would be.
So many good authors in this genre and I love how much they support and respect each other and enjoy reading their books. But of course there is only one Max King. This character is the business. The bee’s knee’s. The ultimate off the books M16 turned M15.
Plenty of weaponry details for the less knowledgeable. Wild, crazy, fearful, sad and shocking. Good to see Hereford mentioned (SAS) and Cheltenham, just a few miles from me, experiencing low flying jets that make my goosebumps pop and adrenaline surge. Another crime thriller author asked me for a one word preview as he had A P Bateman books in his tbr reads, that was easy ‘Explosive’ not fully realising how true that would be.
So many good authors in this genre and I love how much they support and respect each other and enjoy reading their books. But of course there is only one Max King. This character is the business. The bee’s knee’s. The ultimate off the books M16 turned M15.
August 26, 2023
Just like the first Alex King book this one started out slowly. In fact Alex didn’t make an appearance until almost half way through the book causing me to question if I hd indeed downloaded the correct book. Once he arrived both the pace & the action picked up!!! I hope Mr Bateman keeps Caroline around because I feel her & Alex are good for each other and work well together. That’s all I’m going to mention about characters or plot because I hate reading spoilers. Trust me folks you won’t be disappointed with this book. I couldn’t put the book down once Alex arrived!!! Can’t wait to read the next installment!!!
August 20, 2024
Excellent read, good page turner. The plot is daft but that seems to be the norm these days. The Alex King thing was confusing as he doesn't appear till a third of a way through. In some ways it might have been better without him, there was a very strong cast of supporting characters who ended up being massacred for no particularly good reason except to make way for Mr. King. It reminded me slightly of the Big Bang Theory on Raiders of the Lost Ark - if Alex King wasn't there would the outcome have been any different? But still, it was an enjoyable read and it all ended up with a solid ending. Looking forward to the next one.
July 25, 2019
More exhilarating than white river rafting!
The premise of the storyline was a reflection of the times we live in and we all fear might happen. As for the characters, they were very relatable, not your typical movie action heroes but flesh and blood people you could actually relate to. A fantastic read that kept you at the edge of your seat and exhilirating twists in the plot that surprised you time and time again. Can't wait to see what King & Kie get up to next!
The premise of the storyline was a reflection of the times we live in and we all fear might happen. As for the characters, they were very relatable, not your typical movie action heroes but flesh and blood people you could actually relate to. A fantastic read that kept you at the edge of your seat and exhilirating twists in the plot that surprised you time and time again. Can't wait to see what King & Kie get up to next!
July 4, 2019
An absolutely amazing read!
This was an incredible story which ran through at a breakneck pace. The book was really well written and did not try to paint the hero as some kind of superman which is a change from a lot of these type of books and in fact it reminded me a lot of Stephen Leather. I can't wait to read more Alex King books!.
This was an incredible story which ran through at a breakneck pace. The book was really well written and did not try to paint the hero as some kind of superman which is a change from a lot of these type of books and in fact it reminded me a lot of Stephen Leather. I can't wait to read more Alex King books!.
December 11, 2020
Alex King and friends
Again, plenty of action, interesting characters (and not shy about killing them off) and some unexpected twists. Alex didn't make an appearance until 1/4 in. A little bit of romance too and anxious to see where that goes as the series progresses, assuming no happy ending.
Again, plenty of action, interesting characters (and not shy about killing them off) and some unexpected twists. Alex didn't make an appearance until 1/4 in. A little bit of romance too and anxious to see where that goes as the series progresses, assuming no happy ending.
June 15, 2024
Half gray ghost, halg james bond book , first time when the hero was not in the first 100 pages BUT good just a little shy of perfect , much better then the first one and with a few twists that i did not see them coming .
It looked autentic and the bad guys also has a few wining fights and dealt some blows!
It looked autentic and the bad guys also has a few wining fights and dealt some blows!
July 5, 2017
Excellent
Could not put this book down loved your characters and the storyline is so up to date . Loved the ending glad to hear there will be more adventures for them . Would highly recommend it to other readers.
Could not put this book down loved your characters and the storyline is so up to date . Loved the ending glad to hear there will be more adventures for them . Would highly recommend it to other readers.
July 24, 2018
Excellent read
The second in the series and feels as though it has evolved and become stronger and more sophisticated a read as a consequence. Looking forward to enjoying the further adventures of Alex King.
The second in the series and feels as though it has evolved and become stronger and more sophisticated a read as a consequence. Looking forward to enjoying the further adventures of Alex King.
July 26, 2018
Page turner
The second book that I have read in the series and thoroughly enjoyed the ruthless way people are being killed..murdered..no mercy...my type of book.
Look forward to the next one.
The second book that I have read in the series and thoroughly enjoyed the ruthless way people are being killed..murdered..no mercy...my type of book.
Look forward to the next one.
August 2, 2018
Warming to both author and characters now. Really enjoy the subtle humour throughput the tale.
Finding the technical dialogue hard to follow but get the idea. Very pleasant read looking forward to next. Highlyighly recommended.
Finding the technical dialogue hard to follow but get the idea. Very pleasant read looking forward to next. Highlyighly recommended.
September 16, 2018
Complex multiple plots once again only marred by the numerous typos and mistakes, hence the four stars would be five if not for that. Having said that it is a minor point and does not really detract from the story.
January 20, 2020
It's official: hooked
Different from the previous book, but so nice to escape into. The introduction of new characters and their chemistry caused a binge session and created a craving for the next instalment.
Different from the previous book, but so nice to escape into. The introduction of new characters and their chemistry caused a binge session and created a craving for the next instalment.
October 2, 2020
Recommended
That was professionally written and very entertaining book. Will continue to read this series with great interest. That was the second book in the series and was in completely different setting than the first one. Looking forward to the next one!
That was professionally written and very entertaining book. Will continue to read this series with great interest. That was the second book in the series and was in completely different setting than the first one. Looking forward to the next one!
November 7, 2020
Brilliant
Brilliant plot. Superbly told. Action, emotion & detail fill every page. An outstanding read. Totally entertaining. I could not put it down. Already downloading the next book.
Brilliant plot. Superbly told. Action, emotion & detail fill every page. An outstanding read. Totally entertaining. I could not put it down. Already downloading the next book.
November 6, 2022
Not much else to say about this one, except that there is never ending action. Apparently, MI6 doesn't need him any more, but MI5 is willing to sanction his skills. Meeting Caroline, who is a highly capable MI5 agent, is a plus. Simply put, Russia wants nuke Britain's security forces.
June 28, 2023
pretty good thriller
AP Bateman has a good series going with Alex King. I like the new supporting characters. It was a good plot and a decent story with all the required twists and turns, action and thrills. Recommend this one!
AP Bateman has a good series going with Alex King. I like the new supporting characters. It was a good plot and a decent story with all the required twists and turns, action and thrills. Recommend this one!
August 17, 2024
Another good A.P. Bateman Alex King story. The story tends to throw me, as the main character isn't introduced until 25% of the way through, but this allows Bateman to fully develop the rest of the cast.
I already have book 3 ready to go.
I already have book 3 ready to go.
November 4, 2024
A good read.
I’ve lately become a fan of Alex King and author A P Bateman. I haven’t read them in order but intend to do so now. This flies along, well written and lots of action and suspense. Don’t get attached to many of the characters as they end up dead.
I’ve lately become a fan of Alex King and author A P Bateman. I haven’t read them in order but intend to do so now. This flies along, well written and lots of action and suspense. Don’t get attached to many of the characters as they end up dead.
June 6, 2017
Fast paced
Too many of the good guys died. But the pace flowed rather fast. Thrilling read, can not wait for more off Alex King.
Too many of the good guys died. But the pace flowed rather fast. Thrilling read, can not wait for more off Alex King.
June 21, 2018
Great read
Alex King does it again.
Unfortunately, can’t see him staying happy for long, look forward to the next instalment. Excellent.
Alex King does it again.
Unfortunately, can’t see him staying happy for long, look forward to the next instalment. Excellent.
September 27, 2018
Great read
Second book in and still a gripping read will be definitely reading whole series.
Some good twists to keep the tension
Second book in and still a gripping read will be definitely reading whole series.
Some good twists to keep the tension
July 25, 2019
Another great read
Alex king is a great character looking forward to book 3 Alex takes awhile to be introduced but the build-up is excellent
Alex king is a great character looking forward to book 3 Alex takes awhile to be introduced but the build-up is excellent
November 17, 2019
Good Pace. Great detailed descriptions. Only problem is that there are too many killings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews