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Slay the Dragon: An Adam Weldon Thriller
A police officer is brutally murdered in a “mostly peaceful” Oakland protest. City hall shuts down any serious investigation of the heinous crime. Ex-Navy SEAL Adam Weldon and his cop buddy BC take up the search for the killers only to find themselves hunted, outmatched, and at risk of being killed at any moment.
As they fight for their lives, Adam and BC discover the horrible truth: The murder is part of a relentless, 40-year, “unrestricted warfare” assault on America by an implacable, seemingly all powerful foe. A sovereign state with vast resources—including database files on virtually everyone and the ability to track—and kill—anyone anywhere at any time. A sovereign state determined to bring America to its knees and to become itself the dominant power in the world.
Can Adam and his team—and American democracy itself—survive? To find out, plunge headlong into this rousing, upbeat, rip-roaring Adam Weldon thriller by award-winning author William McGinnis.
As they fight for their lives, Adam and BC discover the horrible truth: The murder is part of a relentless, 40-year, “unrestricted warfare” assault on America by an implacable, seemingly all powerful foe. A sovereign state with vast resources—including database files on virtually everyone and the ability to track—and kill—anyone anywhere at any time. A sovereign state determined to bring America to its knees and to become itself the dominant power in the world.
Can Adam and his team—and American democracy itself—survive? To find out, plunge headlong into this rousing, upbeat, rip-roaring Adam Weldon thriller by award-winning author William McGinnis.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2022
25 people are currently reading
1068 people want to read
About the author
William McGinnis
11 books36 followersWilliam McGinnis--Short Bio:
A California native with a Master’s in English literature, William McGinnis is the best-selling, award-winning author of the Adam Weldon Thriller Series, which includes Slay the Dragon, Cyclops Conspiracy, Gold Bay and Whitewater: A Thriller. (All of which are available in print, ebook and audiobook.)
McGinnis is one of the authors of Writer’s Success Secrets which hit #4 on the Wall Street Journal Best Seller List, #1 in Barnes and Noble, and #1 in all of its Amazon categories.
Bill’s other non-fiction books include Whitewater Rafting (long considered the bible of the sport), The Guide’s Guide Augmented: Reflections on Guiding Professional River Trips (used by river guides worldwide), Disaster on the Clearwater: Rafting Beyond the Limits, and Sailing the Greek Islands: Dancing with Cyclops.
When he’s not writing, Bill swims, builds stuff in his workshop, stares into space, listens to audiobooks, and explores new paths to adventure, friendship, and growth. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. His author’s website is WilliamMcGinnis.com.
A California native with a Master’s in English literature, William McGinnis is the best-selling, award-winning author of the Adam Weldon Thriller Series, which includes Slay the Dragon, Cyclops Conspiracy, Gold Bay and Whitewater: A Thriller. (All of which are available in print, ebook and audiobook.)
McGinnis is one of the authors of Writer’s Success Secrets which hit #4 on the Wall Street Journal Best Seller List, #1 in Barnes and Noble, and #1 in all of its Amazon categories.
Bill’s other non-fiction books include Whitewater Rafting (long considered the bible of the sport), The Guide’s Guide Augmented: Reflections on Guiding Professional River Trips (used by river guides worldwide), Disaster on the Clearwater: Rafting Beyond the Limits, and Sailing the Greek Islands: Dancing with Cyclops.
When he’s not writing, Bill swims, builds stuff in his workshop, stares into space, listens to audiobooks, and explores new paths to adventure, friendship, and growth. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. His author’s website is WilliamMcGinnis.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 21, 2023
Great read
Awesome action packed. Enjoyed reading. Highly recommended. Adult reading. There is profanity and sexual content. Navy seal turned investigator. Get your copy now.
Awesome action packed. Enjoyed reading. Highly recommended. Adult reading. There is profanity and sexual content. Navy seal turned investigator. Get your copy now.
February 13, 2023
After a policeman is killed in a BLM riot, Adam begins to investigate, and find the Chi-coms behind everything. Lots of techno-thriller stuff, but doesn't skip the action. Does get a bit repetitive, though.
April 16, 2025
A Riveting, High-Octane Thriller That Hits Hard
“McGinnis is the new king of thrilling, action-filled, blockbuster novels”—and after devouring this book, I wholeheartedly agree.
From the very first chapter, this Adam Weldon thriller grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. The brutal murder of a police officer during a “mostly peaceful” Oakland protest sets the stage for a gripping ride into the underbelly of political cover-ups, shadow warfare, and deadly state-sponsored espionage. What begins as a quest for justice quickly escalates into a globe-spanning confrontation with an enemy that plays by no rules—and seemingly holds all the cards.
McGinnis masterfully blends real-world geopolitics with edge-of-your-seat action. The pace is relentless, the stakes feel immense, and the characters—especially Adam Weldon and his no-nonsense partner BC—are vivid, likable, and believable. Their camaraderie adds a layer of grit and humor to a storyline packed with tension.
What truly sets this novel apart, though, is its unflinching look at modern warfare—especially the digital, psychological, and political dimensions that feel terrifyingly plausible. The idea of a foreign power running decades-long operations to destabilize a country from within isn’t just fiction—it’s the kind of story that makes you glance over your shoulder and wonder: “Could this really be happening?”
If you’re into Tom Clancy-style geo-thrillers or Vince Flynn’s pulse-pounding plots, this is the book for you.
Slight critique: At times, the narrative leans a bit heavy on exposition—especially when unpacking the geopolitical backstory. While it adds depth, a few of those info-heavy sections momentarily slow the pace. That said, it’s a minor issue in an otherwise exhilarating, thought-provoking ride.
Bottom line: McGinnis has delivered a blockbuster. Strap in. This one’s a wild, unforgettable mission.
“McGinnis is the new king of thrilling, action-filled, blockbuster novels”—and after devouring this book, I wholeheartedly agree.
From the very first chapter, this Adam Weldon thriller grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. The brutal murder of a police officer during a “mostly peaceful” Oakland protest sets the stage for a gripping ride into the underbelly of political cover-ups, shadow warfare, and deadly state-sponsored espionage. What begins as a quest for justice quickly escalates into a globe-spanning confrontation with an enemy that plays by no rules—and seemingly holds all the cards.
McGinnis masterfully blends real-world geopolitics with edge-of-your-seat action. The pace is relentless, the stakes feel immense, and the characters—especially Adam Weldon and his no-nonsense partner BC—are vivid, likable, and believable. Their camaraderie adds a layer of grit and humor to a storyline packed with tension.
What truly sets this novel apart, though, is its unflinching look at modern warfare—especially the digital, psychological, and political dimensions that feel terrifyingly plausible. The idea of a foreign power running decades-long operations to destabilize a country from within isn’t just fiction—it’s the kind of story that makes you glance over your shoulder and wonder: “Could this really be happening?”
If you’re into Tom Clancy-style geo-thrillers or Vince Flynn’s pulse-pounding plots, this is the book for you.
Slight critique: At times, the narrative leans a bit heavy on exposition—especially when unpacking the geopolitical backstory. While it adds depth, a few of those info-heavy sections momentarily slow the pace. That said, it’s a minor issue in an otherwise exhilarating, thought-provoking ride.
Bottom line: McGinnis has delivered a blockbuster. Strap in. This one’s a wild, unforgettable mission.
January 31, 2022
A real eye-opener. The fictitious plot of the story was very good, but that's not the reason one should pick up this book. It's what's between the story lines that will give one an education as to perhaps how & why America got to the point it's at right now.
The author has quite a knowledge of China and what's happening behind the scenes, which he reveals in dribbles & is detailed enough that one realizes those parts may not be fiction. Most of us suspect there's a bit of political intimidation and bribery involved with our Washington elite, including those in Congress. But no one can prove anything. It's sad how young progressives were duped into Communist philosophies by college professors, whose names & addresses of relatives were gleaned by the Chinese, threatening harm to them unless the professor cooperated, in addition to bringing students onboard to their ideology.
Within the story, the following is stated. Fact or fiction?: Tier One supposedly involves Chinese indoctrination. Tiers Two and Three involve revealing & sharing of secrets, whether software, political, or scientific. If at some point during Tiers Two and Three the candidate refuses, they are involved in a fatal 'accident' or 'suicide.'
The author states that the supposed object of the Communist Peoples Party (CPP) is to divide the people of America in every way possible so that they can be the dominant world power. This includes huge amounts of money paid to anti-America & racial organizations (Antifa, etc.) plus individuals to loot, burn, cause violence on the streets of America, and incite racial division in every way possible. Although they've been trying for decades to accomplish this, it's only in the past few years they've seen any success.
All of the above and more is detailed in this book, nearly all of which I never heard of before & was shocked when I read it.
The author has quite a knowledge of China and what's happening behind the scenes, which he reveals in dribbles & is detailed enough that one realizes those parts may not be fiction. Most of us suspect there's a bit of political intimidation and bribery involved with our Washington elite, including those in Congress. But no one can prove anything. It's sad how young progressives were duped into Communist philosophies by college professors, whose names & addresses of relatives were gleaned by the Chinese, threatening harm to them unless the professor cooperated, in addition to bringing students onboard to their ideology.
Within the story, the following is stated. Fact or fiction?: Tier One supposedly involves Chinese indoctrination. Tiers Two and Three involve revealing & sharing of secrets, whether software, political, or scientific. If at some point during Tiers Two and Three the candidate refuses, they are involved in a fatal 'accident' or 'suicide.'
The author states that the supposed object of the Communist Peoples Party (CPP) is to divide the people of America in every way possible so that they can be the dominant world power. This includes huge amounts of money paid to anti-America & racial organizations (Antifa, etc.) plus individuals to loot, burn, cause violence on the streets of America, and incite racial division in every way possible. Although they've been trying for decades to accomplish this, it's only in the past few years they've seen any success.
All of the above and more is detailed in this book, nearly all of which I never heard of before & was shocked when I read it.
February 21, 2022
Slay The Dragon by William McGinnis is a compelling thriller novel with complex storylines with action and adventure. Readers will be invested in the story from the opening pages. This action-filled novel portrays the pure brutality and intensity of life in the espionage world. With political agendas, civil turmoil, and an all-knowing agency watching everyone all the time, the future of the U.S. as we know it is at risk. Adam Weldon and his friend BC attempt to unravel what is happening and stumble upon more than they bargained for. While searching for a murderer, they risk becoming the next victims.
McGinnis’s writing is well-paced and has a nice rhythm to it. The story is quick but consistently keeps the reader engaged with a steady buildup of intrigue and action that all comes to a head in the riveting climax of the story. The characters really come alive due to detailed characterization and well defined personalities that make them interesting if not authentic. For readers that get confused by all the characters, the book includes a contents section for all of the characters and who they are. This makes it easier for readers to keep track of all the characters in this page-turning novel.
The author is able to create unique characters using free-flowing dialogue in a story that is constantly moving. Because this story has a quick pace it is important that we always know who is speaking and the author is able to keep readers fully aware of who is saying what in conversations that are both believable and succinct.
Slay The Dragon is a riveting thriller novel that will appeal to readers looking for a suspenseful spy story. This unpredictable mystery novel will engulf the reader in its complex exploration of geopolitical predicaments while providing them with a unique storyline that will keep them engaged from the first to the last page.
McGinnis’s writing is well-paced and has a nice rhythm to it. The story is quick but consistently keeps the reader engaged with a steady buildup of intrigue and action that all comes to a head in the riveting climax of the story. The characters really come alive due to detailed characterization and well defined personalities that make them interesting if not authentic. For readers that get confused by all the characters, the book includes a contents section for all of the characters and who they are. This makes it easier for readers to keep track of all the characters in this page-turning novel.
The author is able to create unique characters using free-flowing dialogue in a story that is constantly moving. Because this story has a quick pace it is important that we always know who is speaking and the author is able to keep readers fully aware of who is saying what in conversations that are both believable and succinct.
Slay The Dragon is a riveting thriller novel that will appeal to readers looking for a suspenseful spy story. This unpredictable mystery novel will engulf the reader in its complex exploration of geopolitical predicaments while providing them with a unique storyline that will keep them engaged from the first to the last page.
August 27, 2023
If you want a book with plot twists, this is not for you, but if you want something packed with action this might be what you're looking for.
Writing: The author did the proper research on the topics he would handle and the professions of the characters.
World setting/building: We soon get a glimpse of what's going on around the city/country with the protests of ACAB, but the author used the typical "the world is crumbling into pieces" and it's only the USA. The author describes things very easily to understand and to imagine.
Plot: Fast-paced, in the first 30 pages we already had the protagonist getting almost killed, but the story gets boring and too flat before it even hits the 100-page mark, no plot twists around the corner, if we start strong with the story then the reader expects the same for the rest of it. It doesn't have ups and downs, just a straight line.
The conflict, it never solved, and the author made it seem like this group of friends would do it, but it didn't.
Characters: Forced dialogues. Everything worked way too perfectly for the protagonist, if he needed a hacker: his friend was one. If he needed to be saved: one of his old friends was now a millionaire so he could send a helicopter; if he needed a weapon or explosives he could find it a couple steps away from him, a rope he could get it out of his fanny pack, since when he started wearing it? Who knows. With the ease with which things appeared, they also disappeared.
It might not be important or interesting but I counted like maybe 6 women in the story.
Writing: The author did the proper research on the topics he would handle and the professions of the characters.
World setting/building: We soon get a glimpse of what's going on around the city/country with the protests of ACAB, but the author used the typical "the world is crumbling into pieces" and it's only the USA. The author describes things very easily to understand and to imagine.
Plot: Fast-paced, in the first 30 pages we already had the protagonist getting almost killed, but the story gets boring and too flat before it even hits the 100-page mark, no plot twists around the corner, if we start strong with the story then the reader expects the same for the rest of it. It doesn't have ups and downs, just a straight line.
The conflict, it never solved, and the author made it seem like this group of friends would do it, but it didn't.
Characters: Forced dialogues. Everything worked way too perfectly for the protagonist, if he needed a hacker: his friend was one. If he needed to be saved: one of his old friends was now a millionaire so he could send a helicopter; if he needed a weapon or explosives he could find it a couple steps away from him, a rope he could get it out of his fanny pack, since when he started wearing it? Who knows. With the ease with which things appeared, they also disappeared.
It might not be important or interesting but I counted like maybe 6 women in the story.
March 26, 2024
"Slay the Dragon" by William McGinnis takes readers on a thrilling ride with protagonist Adam Weldon, a former Navy SEAL. The story kicks off in the midst of BLM riots in San Francisco, uncovering the involvement of China's Communist People's Party (CPP) in US unrest, leading to an action-packed journey across China.
While the action sequences are gripping, the book falls short elsewhere. Dialogues feel forced and unrealistic, particularly a Chinese child referring to her family by their first names. Adam's string of luck and plot conveniences undermine the authenticity of his challenges, and the story plateaus after an initial burst of pace.
Despite its flaws, "Slay the Dragon" sheds light on the hardships faced by ordinary Chinese citizens, exposing the injustices perpetuated by the CPP. However, the unresolved conflict and abrupt ending leave readers wanting more from this otherwise promising adventure.
While the action sequences are gripping, the book falls short elsewhere. Dialogues feel forced and unrealistic, particularly a Chinese child referring to her family by their first names. Adam's string of luck and plot conveniences undermine the authenticity of his challenges, and the story plateaus after an initial burst of pace.
Despite its flaws, "Slay the Dragon" sheds light on the hardships faced by ordinary Chinese citizens, exposing the injustices perpetuated by the CPP. However, the unresolved conflict and abrupt ending leave readers wanting more from this otherwise promising adventure.
September 29, 2023
Political Thriller with Intense Action
I enjoyed this book so much that I intend to read the rest of the Adam Weldon series! The premise of this story is ripped from the whispered current events of today. Political and economic warfare have always been the back drop between the dominate world powers and that is what makes this story so riveting. McGinnis’s careful research into current events and China’s desire for a greater role just makes the story more believable. McGinnis couples this back story with powerful characters to create a fast-paced action adventure that kept me turning pages late into the night! Bravo!
I enjoyed this book so much that I intend to read the rest of the Adam Weldon series! The premise of this story is ripped from the whispered current events of today. Political and economic warfare have always been the back drop between the dominate world powers and that is what makes this story so riveting. McGinnis’s careful research into current events and China’s desire for a greater role just makes the story more believable. McGinnis couples this back story with powerful characters to create a fast-paced action adventure that kept me turning pages late into the night! Bravo!
September 5, 2022
This book was really good and in the realm of possibility, if not possible truth. Many things in this book are believable, some a little over the top. The only issue with this book that lead to the 4 stars instead of 5 was the writing itself. It seemed a little forced and out of what normal conversation would be. Overall, I do recommend this book on its awareness of the possibilities that I have been suspicious of over the last 15 years or so.
August 31, 2023
Customer Review
Nancy Barnhart
5.0 out of 5 stars A unique story of intrigue, violence and espionage
I enjoyed reading this book, SLAY THE DRAGON, by William McGuinnis, it is an award winning story with the character, Adam Weldon as the main adventurer. It is a series of thrillers with Adam, but also a stand alone book.
It engages you from the first with its list of characters, that you can review at the front of the book. I referred to that list often. There are a variety of characters from San Francisco to China. It intrigued me with its changing ventures and threats.
The main two characters, Adam, former Navy Seal, black ops commander, military police investigator and his buddy BC, tech savvy Oakland cop get caught up in a war of worlds after BC’s cop friend is murdered and his Zen boat is blown up. There after follows a long line of maneuvers and escapes with Adam, his girlfriend, Tripnee, an FBI agent and drone expert and BC.
The action and intrigue follows Adam from San Francisco to China, where he finds himself caught up in the CPP, Communist People’s Party. He eventually saves a family through harrowing twists of fate, but through it all you are on the edge of your seat wondering what happens now and how he will pull it off.
I gave this book five stars because I was fully engaged from start to end. That makes all the difference to me. If I have to force myself to read it then it’s a lost cause.
Nancy Barnhart
5.0 out of 5 stars A unique story of intrigue, violence and espionage
I enjoyed reading this book, SLAY THE DRAGON, by William McGuinnis, it is an award winning story with the character, Adam Weldon as the main adventurer. It is a series of thrillers with Adam, but also a stand alone book.
It engages you from the first with its list of characters, that you can review at the front of the book. I referred to that list often. There are a variety of characters from San Francisco to China. It intrigued me with its changing ventures and threats.
The main two characters, Adam, former Navy Seal, black ops commander, military police investigator and his buddy BC, tech savvy Oakland cop get caught up in a war of worlds after BC’s cop friend is murdered and his Zen boat is blown up. There after follows a long line of maneuvers and escapes with Adam, his girlfriend, Tripnee, an FBI agent and drone expert and BC.
The action and intrigue follows Adam from San Francisco to China, where he finds himself caught up in the CPP, Communist People’s Party. He eventually saves a family through harrowing twists of fate, but through it all you are on the edge of your seat wondering what happens now and how he will pull it off.
I gave this book five stars because I was fully engaged from start to end. That makes all the difference to me. If I have to force myself to read it then it’s a lost cause.
February 21, 2022
I won this book through a good reads giveaway. I didn’t end up liking this book at all and found it really hard to finish it. The plot was all over the place and it became really confusing at times. The dialogue between the characters also felt really fake and forced. This just wasn’t something I enjoyed.
June 23, 2023
Great Book
This book was great from the beginning to end. If you like a murder suspenseful type book, this book is for you. The writer did a great job writing this turn the page as fast as you can to get to the next chapter. You will want to read more of William McGinnis’ books. Great job !!!!
This book was great from the beginning to end. If you like a murder suspenseful type book, this book is for you. The writer did a great job writing this turn the page as fast as you can to get to the next chapter. You will want to read more of William McGinnis’ books. Great job !!!!
June 26, 2023
Great First Adventure
I really enjoyed this novel especially the mix of action and spy game intrigue. Some interesting characters to latch onto if and when another in the series arrives. Glad the story didn't rely on just one single being saving the day, but an entire unit of individuals depending on each other.
I really enjoyed this novel especially the mix of action and spy game intrigue. Some interesting characters to latch onto if and when another in the series arrives. Glad the story didn't rely on just one single being saving the day, but an entire unit of individuals depending on each other.
July 27, 2023
Gripping American James Bond Techno Thriller
Hero Adam Weldon is an American James Bond, with skills and cutting-edge technology gadgets. Amazing pace and escalation of plot. Themes taken out of current events make this a thrilling dystopian read.
Although this is the 4th book in the Adam Weldon series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel.
Hero Adam Weldon is an American James Bond, with skills and cutting-edge technology gadgets. Amazing pace and escalation of plot. Themes taken out of current events make this a thrilling dystopian read.
Although this is the 4th book in the Adam Weldon series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel.
October 4, 2024
Slay The Dragon
This book is very well written. I was engrossed in all the subterfuge and corruption and evil that abounds in places we would not like to see. I think he describes our present political situation; all you need do is look at the wealth they amass while in office and their voting records to know. Power corrupts the very best of people.
This book is very well written. I was engrossed in all the subterfuge and corruption and evil that abounds in places we would not like to see. I think he describes our present political situation; all you need do is look at the wealth they amass while in office and their voting records to know. Power corrupts the very best of people.
January 29, 2022
Thank you to author William McGinnis for this FREE kindle copy of Slay the Dragon.
It was OK. An upbeat, young adult, near-future action thriller. I'd say it was a fun read.
Another good go-through on the editing would definitely help the rating.
Very nice cover design.
It was OK. An upbeat, young adult, near-future action thriller. I'd say it was a fun read.
Another good go-through on the editing would definitely help the rating.
Very nice cover design.
March 23, 2022
This isn't the type of book I normally get into, but I have to say, it was action packed from beginning to end. Not a dull moment in the whole thing.
October 26, 2022
great book
I found this book fascinating and an easy read. It parallels a lot of what’s happening today which had me not wanting to put it down.
I found this book fascinating and an easy read. It parallels a lot of what’s happening today which had me not wanting to put it down.
April 4, 2023
Not on my favorite list.
August 1, 2022
I won this book through a good reads giveaway, the book lived up to its exciting description and was fast paced and full of action. While it isn't normally a book I would have chosen to read, I was ultimately glad a entered and won this giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews