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Eagle Shield: Milestone Rising

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BOOK AWARD WINNER AT THE 2018 READERS' FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS.

AWARD WINNING FINALIST IN THE FICTION: THRILLER/ADVENTURE CATEGORY OF THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS

NATHAN MASTERS. Former SAS. Injured in combat. Redeployed with the Australian Secret Intelligence Service.
Nathan is issued with a new mission. EAGLE SHIELD

Objective: Relocate the Asset to the safe house in Melbourne.
Objective: Protect the computer disk at all costs.

A trained killer must learn to forget everything he has come to know as a well beaten path. He must become both father and protector to an orphaned ten-year-old girl. The Asset. Angel. A girl with a special gift and a destiny, who will change the course of history and human-kind. Nathan must oversee Angel's upbringing. He must see to it that Angel is groomed and prepared for her induction into ASIS as an adult. At the same time, he must maintain the security of the disk. The stolen intelligence leading to MILESTONE.

That was the plan. It went so wrong.

300 pages, Hardcover

Published July 6, 2018

7 people are currently reading
8 people want to read

About the author

Carl Lakeland

29 books10 followers
Carl Lakeland is an Australian author of suspense and spy thrillers, known for his lean, fast-moving narratives and grounded realism. Drawing on personal experience and a deep interest in intelligence operations, military history, and human resilience, his stories explore loyalty, sacrifice, and the unseen costs of conflict.

His work blends action-driven storytelling with emotional depth, focusing on characters shaped by hard choices and irreversible consequences. Carl lives in Australia, where he continues to write fiction that favours authenticity over spectacle and tension over excess.

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Gemma.
834 reviews67 followers
September 5, 2018
Eagle Shield is a gripping and deep read. Several times I had to come up for air, my mind blown by the plot twists .
Carl Lakeland clearly is very knowledgeable in this area, the details are on point. Making this an even more engaging read.
A book you really have to get your head into and then cant get out of!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2 reviews
April 18, 2018
loved this book. I got Project Amber and Eagle Shield yesterday, and all I can say is that it's a good thing my whole family happens to be away. Once you start reading, you can't put it down. It's a long time since I picked up a new book like that. Carl Lakeland is a gifted storyteller, and seems to have a knack of writing fast paced action, combined with characters that are wholly alive.
Author 1 book
April 29, 2018
Eagle Shield is unlike any other book I’ve read before. To say each chapter is a surprise is an understatement. The lies and secrets will keep you guessing throughout the entire book. Brilliantly written – you simply don’t know which part is a depiction of real-life experience and which is not. It is shockingly accurate in description. A mix of thriller, fantasy and best of all, conspiracy theory.
2 reviews
May 2, 2018
Don't start reading this book if you have something to do soon, because once started you won't be able to put it down! Fast paced and full of action and intrigue, this is a read you won't forget in a hurry, it will become a top favourite.
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,823 followers
July 7, 2018
‘No explosion. I got it wrong somehow. But as soon as I thought it, the earth below heaved up in a dome, then collapsed back down into a crater.’

Australian author Carl Lakeland grew up during the early seventies, western suburbs of Sydney and enlisted into the military at the age of seventeen – those experiences are evident and reflected in his thriller suspense novel. His stories revolve around the element of ‘what if?’ He pushes the boundaries of his stories to the edge of the Official Secrets Act, which will leaves readers left to make up their own mind as to the outcome. As he has stated, “As a writer, unpredictability is key essence. If I write something that can be foreseen in coming chapters, it’s not good enough. I will scrap it. My goal is to keep the reader wondering, even sometimes to the detriment of my good guys!”

Carl allows us to see the human side of his lead character Nathan before the action hits – ‘She said nothing after I picked her up from the safe house and drove her away. Heading south out of Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway, all I had for company was the constant rattle and whine of the diesel engine. Not that I minded so much. I had no experience making chit chat with a ten-year-old girl. Most kids I considered a right royal pain in the arse. When she did say something meaningful, we were kicking up long dust trails, several hours south on the Oodnadatta Track. “Hey, mate, slow down!” Mate? Did she just call me that? I glimpsed her from the side for a second while the Land Rover bounced hard over the ruts and potholes. “What’s the problem?” I yelled over the noise of rushing gravel. “You’re going too fast, and my bum hurts!” My Land Rover wasn’t all that forgiving in the suspension. A road like the Oodnadatta Track tended to show its weaknesses. I slowed things down a pace, considering my arse was also about to fall off. “Where we going, mate?” “Don’t call me mate,” I said. “Away…We’re going away.” I checked the rear-view mirror for the umpteenth time. Nothing but dust. No cars. We were on our own. My brain thumped hard thinking about all the things that must get done. When we get there. South, to the big smoke. About as far south as we could get. “Then, what do I call you?” she asked in what I thought was an annoyed undertone. “You mean, who. I’m Nathan. And you’re Angelique.” “Maggie said not to call me that anymore.” “Yeah. I know. Angel is your name from now on.” “You still haven’t said where we’re going. And what’s wrong with your leg?” “You ask a lot of questions,” I said. But then I realised kids must be like that. I reached down and tapped my prosthetic limb with my knuckles, loud enough for her to recoil in her seat. “Oh my god! You’ve got a wooden leg!” “Yeah, just like a pirate. My leg is somewhere on the side of the road in Iraq. And we’re going to Melbourne.” I expected a barrage of questions, but she took it on board and went back to being silent. She didn’t even bother to ask where Iraq was.’

The plotline appears confusing at first, but read on and be captured by his ingenuity: ‘Carl’s impressive literary debut is more than just a suspense thriller (although it most assuredly is that): ‘Nathan Masters, former SAS, injured in combat, redeployed with the Australian Secret Intelligence Service. Nathan is issued with a new mission. EAGLE SHIELD. Objective: Relocate the Asset to the safe house in Melbourne. Objective: Protect the computer disk at all costs. A trained killer must learn to forget everything he has come to know as a well-beaten path. He must become both father and protector to an orphaned ten-year-old girl. The Asset. Angel. A girl with a special gift and a destiny, who will change the course of history and humankind. Nathan must oversee Angel's upbringing. He must see to it that Angel is groomed and prepared for her induction into ASIS as an adult. At the same time, he must maintain the security of the disk. The stolen intelligence leading to MILESTONE. That was the plan. It went so wrong.’

This novel serves as the introduction of an important new novelist, one who avoids clichés, choosing instead to bring the reader into the multifaceted aspects of the perplexing but gratifying story. This is a powerful introduction to an important new writer.

Profile Image for Jenny Hockings.
456 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2018
SWEET MOTHER OF MERCY !! THIS STORY IS AMAZING !!!
Former SAS soldier NATHAN MASTERS has been injured in the line of duty. His next assignment is not with his former unit but with the Australian Secret Intelligence Service !!! This new mission is completely out of his comfort zone..... he has not trained for this !!!!!
His mission is two-pronged he has to protect and raise Angel (the asset) an orphaned 10 year old girl, there is something very special about her.... and he also has to maintain security for the stolen intelligence disc that contains MILESTONE so that it does not fall into enemy hands !! That is the mission parameters ….. right but as usual plans go wrong and this is no different except that the ends are far greater ….. I will not reveal anything else, I loved the characters and the story line really pulls it all together..... GRAB Eagle Shield and enjoy this great book I will be reading it again soon !!!!!!!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lee.
605 reviews14 followers
September 4, 2018
The action and suspense in this book will take your breath away. It's that intense. The story of a military operative charged with protecting a special ten year old girl captures my attention immediately. It is so full of danger and mystery and intrigue. Nathan and Angel are on a journey to get her to a safe place. Little do they know that path will take them to some scary places to meet some very evil men. The story revolves around Angel being a target, and it's all Nathan can do to avoid the enemy at every turn. It's a crazy story, with some unexpected explanations as to what is going on. There are battles, and explosions and science and even eagles who help the little girl out.
It's a different kind of story, in some ways, but the sense of family and love and loyalty bring them through. It's a thrilling ride. I recommend this book, Eagle Shield.
Profile Image for Emmie.
1,277 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2018
I saw this book available for review and the cover really drew me. It looks actionpaced and very interesting, so I decided to give it a whirl. Great choice!

Eagle shield is set in Australia, and I have to admit my knowledge of Austrailian geography is basically non existent. So it was fun hunting down places mentioned.

The book is fast paced with Angel being dragged all over the place. Nathan trying to keep one step ahead of the people hunting Angel. It's difficult to write a good review without giving away too much of the book. And there is so much to give away. What I will say is I loved it! It kept me on the edge of my seat and sitting up throuhg most of the night to see what will happen next.

Way to go Carl Lakeland. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Thank you to Booksprout for providing me with the opportunity to read this book.
67 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2018
Carl is a talented writer who knows how to keep the reader guessing. Eagle Shield is a rollercoaster ride full of action, memorable characters and more twists & turns than you'll ever imagine! The pace is fast and the action starts in the first chapter and doesn't slow down. Loved the dialogue and the Aussie setting, felt like I was right there with Scotty Blue, Canter and the mysterious and completely wonderful Angel. I won't include spoilers in this review, but all I can say is the story packs a serious punch and will keep you guessing on every page. Can't wait for the next instalment Carl.
139 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2018
I was absolutely delighted with this story. I thought the author did a marvelous job with character development and storyline. There was an intriguing amount of twists and turns throughout this book. The style of writing and how the story unfolded left the reader in constant suspense. It left me reading longer then I should have most of the time. The author does an amazing job transporting readers into the heart of the story and immersing them into the lives of the characters. Only true negative was the slow start to the book. It first few chapters were a little difficult to get through, but then the story just takes off and you never have time to look back.
Profile Image for Kirsty Mckenzie.
195 reviews5 followers
September 6, 2018
Wow. What a ride. This is a thriller that takes you on a journey with Nathan and Angel and I got to say what a journey it was. This book just kept me on the edge of my seat, I couldn't get enough of it. I felt like I devoured the whole book to fast. I am eagerly awaiting the next book because I need to know what happens next. I can't sing the praises enough for this book. I am a fussy thriller reader and this book just delivered over and above my expectations. Please grab this asap you won't regret it, every word just keeps you wanting the next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,331 reviews44 followers
December 11, 2018
Took me a bit of time to get into the story. The Australian terms and geography were all new. Military veteran Nathan Masters is charged with transporting a "gifted" young girl, Angel, across a large section of Australia, but they're being pursued by an alien culture and their recruits determined to make sure it doesn't happen. When Angel is captured, the action gets even more furious, with Nathan often take matters into his own hands. In this case it's all about the journeys... Nathan and Angel and Nathan's own personal demons and growth. I received an advanced digital copy through #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2 reviews
May 4, 2018
I thought that this book was excellent, along with it's sister book "Project Amber". Well written, with twists and turns to keep you guessing and in suspense right up until the end. Carl Lakeland weaves the Aussie landscape into a suspenseful and action filled book, with an unlikely protagonist pair in the form of a young girl and a damaged ex-soldier.
If you like the way that Matthew Reilly writes, then you will love this book. There are many great Australian writers, and Carl Lakeland is showing that he can comfortably mix it with the best of them.
Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Pat Eroh.
2,618 reviews32 followers
September 9, 2018
This book grabbed me from the first word and kept me glued to the pages. There were a few areas where I would get lost in the military jargon (and I'm retired military) but the storyline was so impressive that it didn't matter. I was on the edge of my seat like a great movie that stays with you after finishing, making you want more stories about the characters. This is the first book I've read by this author but I am clearly a new fan and will be looking for more of his great works.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
September 8, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
I started to read this book and had a really hard time finishing it. I thought starting out that this book was a thriller but it seems more sci-fi then thriller. I do not enjoy science fiction so I tend to avoid. And that's why I did not enjoy this book as much as i could have.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nathan Phillips.
11 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2018
Not my usual genre, but stoked I stepped out of my comfort zone for this book. Continuous action and a refreshing realistic protagonist (compared to the hyper competent or redemption stories) make for an exciting and enjoyable start to the series. Looking forward to Project Amber and subsequent releases in the series.
16.7k reviews158 followers
September 10, 2018
What he once was he had to forget. Now he had a new mission to bring up a ten year old and help her become what she is supposed to be. He needed to protect the disk and that is when everything went wrong. Follow them as he tries to put everything right

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
353 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2018
A well written interesting storyline. Nathan is an ex-special forces who is tasked with moving an asset to a safe house. The characters had depth, were strong and reliable. The plot flows seamlessly and filled with action, drama and intrigue. I would recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janet.
1,996 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2018
The intensity is something else. You could cut it with a knife. emotionally it is draining. This story is very good. I like it. A spy, who done it. It is definitely not what you would expect. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
324 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2018
Not my usual genre, but what a great read.
4,181 reviews46 followers
August 19, 2018
Received an arc in exchange for an honest review. This book was awesome. Loved every page. Characters were well written and the plot was exciting. I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Barb VanderWel.
1,819 reviews29 followers
November 7, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
Profile Image for Ezhica Denira.
155 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2018
I love the millitary books. One of my fave is Fighting redemption by Kate Mccharty.

Powerful, captivating and emotionally charged. I can almost guarantee that you'll cry while reading (probably several times) because the story is truly heart wrenching. I’m looking forward to read this book
Profile Image for Bobbie Kirkland.
647 reviews14 followers
August 30, 2018
I received a free copy of Eagle Shield (Milestone Rising) by Carl Lakeland in exchange for an honest review. Nathan Masters with the Australian Secret Intelligence Service makes one despair for the future of the free world. ASIS has placed the future of the entire world in his hands, but Nathan cannot seem to prevent himself from making the most stupid mistakes. His first instinct, after all, is to get blind drunk shortly after the start of a multi-day road trip wherein he is the sole driver and caretaker of a traumatized child. The mistakes continue, escalate, and compound.

#EagleShield #NetGalley
Profile Image for Myra.
194 reviews34 followers
September 3, 2018
This review first published on Oh Just Books.

It feels like you're watching a movie, except it's so much better.

Eagle Shield follows Nathan Masters, a trained killer who takes up a mission to protect an asset. An asset that could potentially lead to the downfall of mankind or the opposite. They believed in him to do it. Oh boy were they wrong. Things went bad quicker than you imagined.

An action-packed book that is quick paced but written with precise descriptions. While reading the book, I spent most of my time imagining the events that happened in my head as if it was a movie, however, I was left disappointed as a movie can never describe it half as well as Lakeland had. The action scenes were intense, half the time I don't know exactly what happened except for gunshots and explosions - it was wild!

Eagle Shield was written in a way that makes you feel involved with the story. This book will keep you on your toes and you'll be wondering who is and isn't telling the truth. There are so many secrets and so many things that are private, you can't help but to want in on a little sneaky information. If you're up for a jam-packed book filled with actions scenes on every page yet leaves you craving for more, you know where to go.

Read the rest of the review here.
Profile Image for A_MOTUS.
415 reviews47 followers
Read
September 7, 2018
Next to impossible to put down. Chapter after chapter we got more question about who is Angel, who are Nathan and Canter, Shilo, Franco. Then Strange things happens and problems arise. Tension build and you NEED to turn the pages., you need to know.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sue Plant.
2,331 reviews34 followers
September 26, 2018
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

and what an adventure it was...i could imagine reacher being offered this job...but alas another was...this merc had to become a guardian of said victim and take care and guide through life until destiny calls...but what he doesnt know is what she is capable of...or how many would try to kidnap her away from him

some shady characters and baddies and a whole adventure plus some eagles made for an enjoyable read...and i look forward to the 2nd book in this series
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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