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Dan Stone Assassin #5
Death in the Congo
A new assignment. In Africa. To stop the Chinese incursions into the continent. The only problem is he might trigger World War III. This high-stakes thriller set in the wild world of the DRC pits Dan Stone against a complex array of forces, all vying for power and influence. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC, holds some of the largest coltan deposits in the world. It is the source of two rare earth metals, niobium and tantalum, vital to modern economies. The Chinese are trying to corner the market and hold the western world hostage. Dan Stone has experienced many dangerous missions. A trained assassin for the CIA in one of its most covert sections, he now faces a new challenge. He has to navigate a strange country in a strange continent where he stands out among the people. His assignment is to take down a Chinese general and get out alive…without getting caught.
477 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2020
400 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 1, 2020
This book does a very good job of weaving current events, local superstition and mysticism, and an espionage plot into an interesting narrative story. The story has interesting characters from very different backgrounds and manages to capture how each character perceives the world and events in the book. The author covers China’s mission in Africa and the endgame there in very astute terms which I haven’t seen discussed in much detail elsewhere. China does have a very active infrastructure and military presence in Africa, if you haven’t been paying attention! The novel contains less mysticism than some of the novels in the series but it still moves Dan Stone’s character forward in his battle between good and evil.
September 30, 2021
I rate according to Audible's own star system: so two stars means "okay".
I discovered this was part 5 when I got it, so I decided to take a chance and spent an Audible credit to at least listen to book 1 first; after that I purchased parts 2-4 as ebooks - which obviously means I liked them enough to keep purchasing the next novel. Finally, I arrived at this one, part 5.
Frankly, I'm disappointed with part 5. Only a few (out of many) chapters are centered around the core mission, while the rest of the story is derailed by some sort of cross between a road movie, a travel guide and a lot of culinary details, plus quite a lot of borderline preachiness about nature, culture, politics and religion.
Moreover, this is no longer about Dan the lone wolf assassin, but he's joined fulltime not only by the two ex-Delta Force guys from previous novels, but also by a local fixer who we are constantly told is a true team member as well - although I still don't know why, exactly.
Also, way too much repetition and exposition; a lot of characters explaining the plot to eachother.
Worst of all was the romance, that was truly unbelievable to me - that a trained and experienced professional on such an important stealth mission could behave in such a very emotional and unprofessional way, basically from the moment he lays eyes on his love interest - who he has never met before. What were the whole team doing anyway, being out drinking and scouting nice places to hang out so many nights on this mission?! Nah, didn't buy it at all. It feels very forced on the author's part, meant to add some kind of "rescue the damsel" plotline. This actually takes up more time in the novel than the true mission.
In short, this storyline really fell flat for me, pity.
The narration is okay; he's very good at African accents as far as I can tell (as a non-African) but on the other hand he's not conveying the 'bad ass factor' a story like this requires imho (e.g. his heroes all sound quite chipper and friendly, not like hardened killers/fighters/warriors). To my ears, there's no menace conveyed in the narration at all - at least not with the three heroes.
All in all this story is not for me, sorry. Sincerely wanted to like it more.
~ I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. I was not required to write a positive review and this reflects my honest opinion of the work.
I discovered this was part 5 when I got it, so I decided to take a chance and spent an Audible credit to at least listen to book 1 first; after that I purchased parts 2-4 as ebooks - which obviously means I liked them enough to keep purchasing the next novel. Finally, I arrived at this one, part 5.
Frankly, I'm disappointed with part 5. Only a few (out of many) chapters are centered around the core mission, while the rest of the story is derailed by some sort of cross between a road movie, a travel guide and a lot of culinary details, plus quite a lot of borderline preachiness about nature, culture, politics and religion.
Moreover, this is no longer about Dan the lone wolf assassin, but he's joined fulltime not only by the two ex-Delta Force guys from previous novels, but also by a local fixer who we are constantly told is a true team member as well - although I still don't know why, exactly.
Also, way too much repetition and exposition; a lot of characters explaining the plot to eachother.
Worst of all was the romance, that was truly unbelievable to me - that a trained and experienced professional on such an important stealth mission could behave in such a very emotional and unprofessional way, basically from the moment he lays eyes on his love interest - who he has never met before. What were the whole team doing anyway, being out drinking and scouting nice places to hang out so many nights on this mission?! Nah, didn't buy it at all. It feels very forced on the author's part, meant to add some kind of "rescue the damsel" plotline. This actually takes up more time in the novel than the true mission.
In short, this storyline really fell flat for me, pity.
The narration is okay; he's very good at African accents as far as I can tell (as a non-African) but on the other hand he's not conveying the 'bad ass factor' a story like this requires imho (e.g. his heroes all sound quite chipper and friendly, not like hardened killers/fighters/warriors). To my ears, there's no menace conveyed in the narration at all - at least not with the three heroes.
All in all this story is not for me, sorry. Sincerely wanted to like it more.
~ I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. I was not required to write a positive review and this reflects my honest opinion of the work.
September 9, 2020
Dan Stone to the rescue
Dan's on another mission that will change the course of history.
Riveting action of good triumphing over bad.
The vivid descriptions of the Congo and the intense insight into the culture of the country was amazing. The author made you feel everything was as real as it gets. With the backdrop of an ever increasing fight from China for world dominance, the way this small band of highly trained assassins took out the really bad guys was just plain fun to read. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a thrilling tale of good guys protecting the world from some really bad monsters. You just can't put it down once you start.
Dan's on another mission that will change the course of history.
Riveting action of good triumphing over bad.
The vivid descriptions of the Congo and the intense insight into the culture of the country was amazing. The author made you feel everything was as real as it gets. With the backdrop of an ever increasing fight from China for world dominance, the way this small band of highly trained assassins took out the really bad guys was just plain fun to read. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a thrilling tale of good guys protecting the world from some really bad monsters. You just can't put it down once you start.
October 22, 2021
I read all five Dan Stone novels in sequence
Now I’m going to read everything else I can find that David Nees wrote. I like this guy, and I like the way he adds new twists to the genre. Stone’s rescue from the Chihuahuan Desert by an ancient shaman in book two gives a welcome twist to the series that carries on through the remaining novels. I hope that Nees will continue to knock out Dan Stone novels, because I will continue to buy and read them. This is very satisfying stuff with great action and characters to care about, including his Delta cohorts Marcus and Roland. Great work, Mr. Nees. Keep it up.
Now I’m going to read everything else I can find that David Nees wrote. I like this guy, and I like the way he adds new twists to the genre. Stone’s rescue from the Chihuahuan Desert by an ancient shaman in book two gives a welcome twist to the series that carries on through the remaining novels. I hope that Nees will continue to knock out Dan Stone novels, because I will continue to buy and read them. This is very satisfying stuff with great action and characters to care about, including his Delta cohorts Marcus and Roland. Great work, Mr. Nees. Keep it up.
February 18, 2021
Deadly
I started reading this series withh book # 1 and followed thru to the last one. I surely hope that the author "David Nees" continues this series. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of the stories. You can read them like I did or not. Each one is a stand alone book but better in my opinion if read in the sequence they were written. The players will become familiar to you as you go and increase in numbers. The books have everything you are looking for in a fast paced adventure. If you try one you'll be looking for more. Thanks for all the entertainment.
I started reading this series withh book # 1 and followed thru to the last one. I surely hope that the author "David Nees" continues this series. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of the stories. You can read them like I did or not. Each one is a stand alone book but better in my opinion if read in the sequence they were written. The players will become familiar to you as you go and increase in numbers. The books have everything you are looking for in a fast paced adventure. If you try one you'll be looking for more. Thanks for all the entertainment.
Read
March 26, 2023While this was a good read, it had a couple of tentacles reaching out along a likely unbelievable grab. But if you took them at face value, then they fit into the suspense and made this book still enjoyable. I still feel Author Nees does excellent research for his settings and background information and for those of us who have traveled the world considerably, it makes the story very acceptable. He also does a great job maintaining the relationships between the main characters of the books in the series. I'm looking forward to reading books 6 and 7 in the series.
February 17, 2021
Another fantastic Dan Stone adventure. Once again David Nees sends the team into the reaches of death in the jungles of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This adventure has the perfect amount of thrills, twists, turns, romance and humor. I find I am running Google Earth along with this adventure to get my own adventure into the jungle along WI the team.
A must read if you enjoyed the first four books in the series. I can't wait to read the next episode of Dan Stone.
Great job David...
A must read if you enjoyed the first four books in the series. I can't wait to read the next episode of Dan Stone.
Great job David...
April 8, 2021
Cannot Even Get Thru First 100 Pages
Am done! Author is either trying to impress the readers with his knowledge of the terrain or simply trying to fill pages, pages and pages of traveling the road. No serious story development, just road conditions and travel BS. He has definitely worn out my tolerance for lousy story telling. Sure glad it is an Unlimited offering, but even at no charge, this author is a waste of time.
Am done! Author is either trying to impress the readers with his knowledge of the terrain or simply trying to fill pages, pages and pages of traveling the road. No serious story development, just road conditions and travel BS. He has definitely worn out my tolerance for lousy story telling. Sure glad it is an Unlimited offering, but even at no charge, this author is a waste of time.
October 20, 2025
Excellent Series, Excellent Book!
In the action adventure genre, I believe I have found a gem in David Nees. He is thorough in translating his research into a highly detailed novel that is both intriguing and intense. All characters are interesting, varied and fully developed. The imagery of each story's setting is expertly painted with the written word. I look forward to reading many more books by Mr. Nees!
In the action adventure genre, I believe I have found a gem in David Nees. He is thorough in translating his research into a highly detailed novel that is both intriguing and intense. All characters are interesting, varied and fully developed. The imagery of each story's setting is expertly painted with the written word. I look forward to reading many more books by Mr. Nees!
February 7, 2021
Death in the Congo
This story was well done and it was gripping with tension and romance. There only one thing in the Dan Stone series that I was unhappy with after book 4 it jumped to Africa without finishing the the fight with the terrorists in Europe. That left us hanging about how it ended.
This story was well done and it was gripping with tension and romance. There only one thing in the Dan Stone series that I was unhappy with after book 4 it jumped to Africa without finishing the the fight with the terrorists in Europe. That left us hanging about how it ended.
February 24, 2021
Death in the Congo
It’s another winner for David Nees. The novel had a slow start but I understand why. Dan ,Roland,and Marcus had a long way to travel . It was quite detailed. Once they achieved their goal, the novel took off like a jet airplane and didn’t land until the end. Good read!!!!
Dr. C. 🎉🎊🚀👍🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
It’s another winner for David Nees. The novel had a slow start but I understand why. Dan ,Roland,and Marcus had a long way to travel . It was quite detailed. Once they achieved their goal, the novel took off like a jet airplane and didn’t land until the end. Good read!!!!
Dr. C. 🎉🎊🚀👍🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
August 8, 2021
A wonderful read very exciting and very Illuminating about the world stage this is his fifth book and the prior for were also very outstanding he is a well uncovered new force in the writing world
I don't know if this review will be published I keep getting a message that they want 20 more words I'm continually finding it Amazon review process is unwieldy and difficult
I don't know if this review will be published I keep getting a message that they want 20 more words I'm continually finding it Amazon review process is unwieldy and difficult
September 6, 2024
In the heart of darkest Africa…
Well written book that pays homage to both the modern African as well as the traditional beliefs and superstitions. Once again, Dan Stone beats the odds. Not only does he complete his mission, he also rescues a group of NGO workers taken hostage by a warlord. Just as in his other works, Nees delivers a readable, believable tale. Recommended.
Well written book that pays homage to both the modern African as well as the traditional beliefs and superstitions. Once again, Dan Stone beats the odds. Not only does he complete his mission, he also rescues a group of NGO workers taken hostage by a warlord. Just as in his other works, Nees delivers a readable, believable tale. Recommended.
November 27, 2020
Lots of action!
Again it is a fun lenders infomercial exotic long guns and ammunition. Along with lessons in geography and for-political science.not to mention love sex and mysticism. That being said, I am sorry that this is the last book in the series. I will look forward to #6.
Again it is a fun lenders infomercial exotic long guns and ammunition. Along with lessons in geography and for-political science.not to mention love sex and mysticism. That being said, I am sorry that this is the last book in the series. I will look forward to #6.
January 28, 2021
Death in The Congo
Very well written tale of the mystic world interplay in our world. This use of the Watchers was easier to accept than previous stories and the Shamans and sorcerers were certainly a big part of the African mystic.
Very well written tale of the mystic world interplay in our world. This use of the Watchers was easier to accept than previous stories and the Shamans and sorcerers were certainly a big part of the African mystic.
August 22, 2021
The “Watchers” add on otherworldly feel to David’s books.
Yet another story with an otherworldly feel; one with another dimension of good and evil hidden, yet real. One hopes that there are similar powers for good, operating invisibly, in our world as well.
Yet another story with an otherworldly feel; one with another dimension of good and evil hidden, yet real. One hopes that there are similar powers for good, operating invisibly, in our world as well.
March 20, 2022
Got There in the End
Worth a read, but for me one of the less flowing books in the Series.
Some of the dialog early on was clumsy and parts dragged but picked up towards the end.
Still enjoyable just a little more work that some of the others.
Worth a read, but for me one of the less flowing books in the Series.
Some of the dialog early on was clumsy and parts dragged but picked up towards the end.
Still enjoyable just a little more work that some of the others.
September 2, 2020
Another great read and wonderfully crafted in a very interesting locale.
Why Yvette, why?
Why Yvette, why?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2020
Sorry, but this book was a disappointment.
October 7, 2020
Great!
Great book and a great series! Cant wait for the next installment of the series! Five stars and cheers to to David Nees! Thanks again!
Great book and a great series! Cant wait for the next installment of the series! Five stars and cheers to to David Nees! Thanks again!
December 23, 2020
Great series !
I really like this whole series about Dan Stone. The books was full of action, and I couldn't put it down !
I really like this whole series about Dan Stone. The books was full of action, and I couldn't put it down !
February 10, 2021
Really enjoy the different locals and
story lines. Keep's it fresh.
story lines. Keep's it fresh.
April 7, 2021
A really great series
Book 5 is the best so far but they are all great. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.
Book 5 is the best so far but they are all great. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.
April 7, 2021
Review
Another great read from David Nees. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book I. The series!! Grab a copy!
Another great read from David Nees. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book I. The series!! Grab a copy!
April 20, 2021
Death in the Congo
It was a really good read and hard to put down. I really enjoyed the story and the suspense. It was a hard book to put down.
It was a really good read and hard to put down. I really enjoyed the story and the suspense. It was a hard book to put down.
August 14, 2021
Ok read
OK not a page Turner could have been more action. Would have been nice to have the action move a little faster.
OK not a page Turner could have been more action. Would have been nice to have the action move a little faster.
August 29, 2021
A story with factual possibilities.
This is a novel that once you start you have trouble putting it down.. It has never ending action. I look forward to more from this author.
This is a novel that once you start you have trouble putting it down.. It has never ending action. I look forward to more from this author.
October 3, 2021
A excellent thriller.
If you enjoy well written thrillers then I highly recommend this book and this series by David Nees. It is fast passed with interesting plot twist.
If you enjoy well written thrillers then I highly recommend this book and this series by David Nees. It is fast passed with interesting plot twist.
November 1, 2021
Great book, & series. Love the cast of characters.
December 8, 2021
Great read
Interesting well thought out and kept me wanting to read more. Have enjoyed the whole series. Liked the introduction of mysticit
Interesting well thought out and kept me wanting to read more. Have enjoyed the whole series. Liked the introduction of mysticit
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews