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Strike Back
Two one a celebrated military hero and the other a broken veteran living in the gutters of London. Their paths last crossed nearly twenty years ago. Now, amidst a hostage crisis in the Middle East, their lives are about to collide again. And the Strike Back is about to begin.
John Porter was involved in a hostage raid in Lebanon in 1989. The raid went disastrously wrong; several Regiment men died. John spared the life of a Lebanese fighter and blames himself for the deaths. Struggling to come to terms with the past, John has hit the bottle and is sleeping rough.
Colonel Peregrine Collinson was involved in the same raid. Unbeknownst to his colleagues, it was Peregrine’s fault that the mission went wrong. He was awarded a Military Cross and is heralded as a military hero for something he didn’t do.
After the disastrous raid, the lives of the two men couldn’t have been further apart. Until now. A hostage crisis in the Middle East draws the enemies back together again. Who will be the hero this time?
John Porter was involved in a hostage raid in Lebanon in 1989. The raid went disastrously wrong; several Regiment men died. John spared the life of a Lebanese fighter and blames himself for the deaths. Struggling to come to terms with the past, John has hit the bottle and is sleeping rough.
Colonel Peregrine Collinson was involved in the same raid. Unbeknownst to his colleagues, it was Peregrine’s fault that the mission went wrong. He was awarded a Military Cross and is heralded as a military hero for something he didn’t do.
After the disastrous raid, the lives of the two men couldn’t have been further apart. Until now. A hostage crisis in the Middle East draws the enemies back together again. Who will be the hero this time?
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2007
98 people are currently reading
1397 people want to read
About the author
Chris Ryan
343 books1,024 followersColin Armstrong (b. 1961), usually known by the pen-name Chris Ryan, is a British author, television presenter, security consultant and former Special Air Service sergeant.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
June 29, 2010
My first Chris Ryan read in a few years; the last I read of his was the distinctly lacklustre THE INCREMENT. The good news is that STRIKE BACK is far better than that book, if not one of the all-time classics like THE WATCHMAN.
Actually, it was fun to see how Ryan's style has changed over the years. This novel is more action-driven than before, with less background plotting and a greater emphasis on following the central character through Middle Eastern troubles. The action scenes are entertaining, written with aplomb and the usual level of gory violence. I thought the section in the mine was the highlight of the story.
The main thrust of the storyline is about an imminent beheading which brought back frightening memories of stories in the news six years ago.
The central character is slightly different to the norm. Yes, he's ex-SAS like they all are, but this particular guy has been a tramp living on London for over a decade. When we meet him he's in a real sorry state, an alcholic with a distinct lack of body hygiene. Watching him clean himself up makes for interesting reading.
I could have done without the unnecessary sex scene, which feels like it's been inserted from a cheesy erotic book, but otherwise there are few missteps here. Two supporting characters, Collinson and in particular Hezbollah fighter Hassad, are also engaging to read about.
Another plus is that this is a very fast read; I'd finished it in two and a half days. It has that page-turning quality that not every book possesses.
Actually, it was fun to see how Ryan's style has changed over the years. This novel is more action-driven than before, with less background plotting and a greater emphasis on following the central character through Middle Eastern troubles. The action scenes are entertaining, written with aplomb and the usual level of gory violence. I thought the section in the mine was the highlight of the story.
The main thrust of the storyline is about an imminent beheading which brought back frightening memories of stories in the news six years ago.
The central character is slightly different to the norm. Yes, he's ex-SAS like they all are, but this particular guy has been a tramp living on London for over a decade. When we meet him he's in a real sorry state, an alcholic with a distinct lack of body hygiene. Watching him clean himself up makes for interesting reading.
I could have done without the unnecessary sex scene, which feels like it's been inserted from a cheesy erotic book, but otherwise there are few missteps here. Two supporting characters, Collinson and in particular Hezbollah fighter Hassad, are also engaging to read about.
Another plus is that this is a very fast read; I'd finished it in two and a half days. It has that page-turning quality that not every book possesses.
December 31, 2013
I read that book after stumbling onto the tv series. And then buying the dvds. I must say that the first season is the best one and actually follows the book quite nicely, even though the book will go deeper into the story and characters shaping.
I read that book a few months back, and basically the story is about a war, soldiering and commandos. Not my usual reading area but I very much enjoyed it. It's not the best book I ever read but totally up to a James Bond book (which I have read lots when I was younger).
More in depth the story is about a soldier who is "disgraced" and broken after leading an operation to free an hostage from Middle East terrorists, even if the rescue was successful, the mission was a failure as he lost three men in the process, one of them being a close friend. From there, the hero (John Porter) will know a slow descent to hell, falling into drinking and losing his wife and his daughter along the way as well as his job and credibility. Until one day, fate will bring him something that will allow him to redeem himself and uncover a truth that will change the course of his life.
I read that book a few months back, and basically the story is about a war, soldiering and commandos. Not my usual reading area but I very much enjoyed it. It's not the best book I ever read but totally up to a James Bond book (which I have read lots when I was younger).
More in depth the story is about a soldier who is "disgraced" and broken after leading an operation to free an hostage from Middle East terrorists, even if the rescue was successful, the mission was a failure as he lost three men in the process, one of them being a close friend. From there, the hero (John Porter) will know a slow descent to hell, falling into drinking and losing his wife and his daughter along the way as well as his job and credibility. Until one day, fate will bring him something that will allow him to redeem himself and uncover a truth that will change the course of his life.
August 29, 2019
If you haven't watched the drama series based around this book then please do not start now! Read the book first!!! Those who have watched Strike Back on TV but not read the book tell me that the TV series is amazing - but having read the book a good year ago I would have to strongly disagree.
The series in no way matches the drama and suspense that Chris Ryan presents so well between the pages, and leaves a good many details out that I was so impressed by when racing along the plot. I passed this book on to my father-in-law and he loved it as well.
John Porter is a lot more well-rounded and vivid in the book than on the screen, and the other characters are all vibrant and brutal. The twists in the novel's plot are more shocking and will leave you feeling satisfied, whereas the T.V series falls a bit flat at the end.
Having been in the S.A.S for ten years, Chris Ryan is a worthy match for Andy McNab with regards to writing - and his books are generally a little easier to read as well.
The series in no way matches the drama and suspense that Chris Ryan presents so well between the pages, and leaves a good many details out that I was so impressed by when racing along the plot. I passed this book on to my father-in-law and he loved it as well.
John Porter is a lot more well-rounded and vivid in the book than on the screen, and the other characters are all vibrant and brutal. The twists in the novel's plot are more shocking and will leave you feeling satisfied, whereas the T.V series falls a bit flat at the end.
Having been in the S.A.S for ten years, Chris Ryan is a worthy match for Andy McNab with regards to writing - and his books are generally a little easier to read as well.
June 25, 2008
Briliant !!!
December 30, 2010
Fantastic unlike the tv dramatisation
April 19, 2020
STRIKE BACK has long been one of my favorite shows. Unlike most Americans who got their start with Damien Scott and Michael Stonebridge, I actually picked up the original British miniseries first (which eventually aired on Cinemax as STRIKE BACK: ORIGINS). I found the adventures of former SAS operator John Porter to be nuanced, intelligent, and well-written television. The American version didn't start out as good in comparison, but eventually found its stride, though that is a discussion for another time.
Of course, being a outsider student of special operations, I was familiar with Chris Ryan, the former SAS operator who trekked to Syria on foot in the wake of the failed Bravo Two Zero mission, and I'd read his memoirs. I also knew he'd gone on to be a prolific author (with STRIKE BACK being one of the novels that was adapted for the screen). I decided to get my hands on STRIKE BACK and read it for myself.
My final verdict?
I would place this with MAN ON FIRE as one of the few books where the screen adaptation was better than the source material.
That's not to say that STRIKE BACK is a bad book (or MAN ON FIRE, for that matter). I breezed through the book in one sitting. It is a hell of a page turner.
For those who have seen the original STRIKE BACK (or STRIKE BACK: ORIGINS in the US), the general plot is fundamentally an updated version of Episodes 1-2 and 5-6. For those who have not: in 1989, John Porter's SAS team is charged with rescuing arms merchant Kenneth Bratton from the hands of Hezbollah terrorists. Attached to the mission is Peregrine "Perry" Collinson, a conventional Army soldier. During the rescue, Porter encounters a young boy with a suicide vest, and rather than kill the boy, he disarms the vest and knocks the boy out. During extraction, Porter's teammates are killed, and Collinson--the only witness--states that the boy picked up a rifle and killed the operators. Disgraced, Porter is drummed out of the Army.
17 years later, Hezbollah kidnaps Sky News journalist Katie Dartmouth and says they will execute her if British forces do not immediately withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan. Porter recognizes the lead Hezbollah terrorist as the boy he spared, and volunteers his services to MI-6. They send in Porter as a long shot of rescuing Dartmouth, though Porter has designs to avenge his dead mates, while others behind the scenes seem determined to ensure Porter not only fails his mission, but is killed in the process.
I think what the book got right was that there was more characterization of Hassad (Assad in the TV show), as well as showing just how far Porter fell after leaving the service. The action is well done, which is to be expected from an author with Chris Ryan's background. We also got to see more of the development between Porter and his daughter (Sandy in the book; Lexi in the TV show).
On the other hand...the book's dialogue got clunky at times. I found the reason Collinson was on the op in the book to be a stretch compared to the reason he went on the op in the series, and his characterization was far more multi-dimensional on the show in comparison to his rather singular characterization in the book. A lot more things were explained more satisfactorily on the show, with the show taking bits from the book and improving on them (the interactions with Danni and Layla's role being among them).
At the same time, I couldn't stop turning the page and seeing what would happen next, even though I went into the book knowing the general plot. That makes for sheer readability, and that means a lot.
Not the best thriller I've ever read, but it is solid and entertaining.
Of course, being a outsider student of special operations, I was familiar with Chris Ryan, the former SAS operator who trekked to Syria on foot in the wake of the failed Bravo Two Zero mission, and I'd read his memoirs. I also knew he'd gone on to be a prolific author (with STRIKE BACK being one of the novels that was adapted for the screen). I decided to get my hands on STRIKE BACK and read it for myself.
My final verdict?
I would place this with MAN ON FIRE as one of the few books where the screen adaptation was better than the source material.
That's not to say that STRIKE BACK is a bad book (or MAN ON FIRE, for that matter). I breezed through the book in one sitting. It is a hell of a page turner.
For those who have seen the original STRIKE BACK (or STRIKE BACK: ORIGINS in the US), the general plot is fundamentally an updated version of Episodes 1-2 and 5-6. For those who have not: in 1989, John Porter's SAS team is charged with rescuing arms merchant Kenneth Bratton from the hands of Hezbollah terrorists. Attached to the mission is Peregrine "Perry" Collinson, a conventional Army soldier. During the rescue, Porter encounters a young boy with a suicide vest, and rather than kill the boy, he disarms the vest and knocks the boy out. During extraction, Porter's teammates are killed, and Collinson--the only witness--states that the boy picked up a rifle and killed the operators. Disgraced, Porter is drummed out of the Army.
17 years later, Hezbollah kidnaps Sky News journalist Katie Dartmouth and says they will execute her if British forces do not immediately withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan. Porter recognizes the lead Hezbollah terrorist as the boy he spared, and volunteers his services to MI-6. They send in Porter as a long shot of rescuing Dartmouth, though Porter has designs to avenge his dead mates, while others behind the scenes seem determined to ensure Porter not only fails his mission, but is killed in the process.
I think what the book got right was that there was more characterization of Hassad (Assad in the TV show), as well as showing just how far Porter fell after leaving the service. The action is well done, which is to be expected from an author with Chris Ryan's background. We also got to see more of the development between Porter and his daughter (Sandy in the book; Lexi in the TV show).
On the other hand...the book's dialogue got clunky at times. I found the reason Collinson was on the op in the book to be a stretch compared to the reason he went on the op in the series, and his characterization was far more multi-dimensional on the show in comparison to his rather singular characterization in the book. A lot more things were explained more satisfactorily on the show, with the show taking bits from the book and improving on them (the interactions with Danni and Layla's role being among them).
At the same time, I couldn't stop turning the page and seeing what would happen next, even though I went into the book knowing the general plot. That makes for sheer readability, and that means a lot.
Not the best thriller I've ever read, but it is solid and entertaining.
August 26, 2020
I very rarely read anything but Science Fiction or Fantasy. I read Strike Back because I am a huge fan of the series Strike Back and Strike Back Origins on Cinemax. This book is a great read and I recommend both it and the series. In this one John Porter was a promising SAS operative but after a mission went very badly and several of his teammates are killed John becomes a broken man. The blame for the deaths is blamed on John and he can't cope with the shame and turns to a life of drunkenness. He abandons his wife and child and lives on the streets for several years.
When Kate Dartmouth, a TV reporter, is captured by Hezbollah terrorists and faces beheading he realizes that he is the only one who has a chance of saving her. He convinces the British government to send him in the negotiate her release or if that fails to try to rescue her. He will not only face the terrorists but betrayal from within his own government.
When Kate Dartmouth, a TV reporter, is captured by Hezbollah terrorists and faces beheading he realizes that he is the only one who has a chance of saving her. He convinces the British government to send him in the negotiate her release or if that fails to try to rescue her. He will not only face the terrorists but betrayal from within his own government.
June 1, 2020
Autorův styl je prostý. Ani příběh není žádná bomba. Navíc neudrží myšlenku, což je v tomto případě víc než tristní.
Je to takový... rodokaps průměrného grafomana.
Včetně úrovně korektury.
Během necelých 36 hodin udělají z nemocného ožraly, který 15 let chlastá (pod mostem) první ligu, elitního vojáka?
Protože kdysi před léty pracoval u SAS?
s. 78 „Do Bejrútu mohu přiletět ve čtvrtek ráno.“
s. 117 Odlétá z Heathrow v osm hodin, let trvá 4 hodiny a 45 minut
s. 124 [před odletem] Byla středa večer. (...) Za méně než dvacet čtyři hodin tam budu taky.
s. 208 V Bejrútu bylo o dvě hodiny více než v Londýně
Takže 8 + 4,45=12,45+2=14,45.
To je ráno?
s. 139 Byli ve vzduchu již tři hodiny (...) Byli přibližně v polovině cesty do Bejrútu.
Aha, přibližně polovina ze 4 hodin a 45 minut jsou 3 hodiny.
Konspirativně si koupil nové oblečení, aby si byl jistý, že ho nebudou sledovat.
s. 138 požádal o džíny, bílou košili, ponožky, trenýrky a jeden pár tenisek velikosti 43.
Přesto na s. 140 Lahvičky si schoval do kapes bundy.
A tu bundu vzal přibližně kde?
Ale nechá si tašku, kterou ho vybavili, a kde má rezervní džiny, několik košilí, holení a další drobnosti. (s. 136).
s. 21 Mužovy nohy však byly víc než měsíc svázané
s. 9 jej v posledních čtyřech měsících věznili
s. 26 Z pahýlů poraněných prstů
s. 27 atd. pahýly
s. 28 Kdybyste měl ty ustřelené články (...)co z jeho dvou prstů zbylo
Na s. 23 to byl jeden prst.
kdy z jeho levé ruky odpadl poslední článek ukazováčku
s. 140 tmavé oči jí planuly hněvem
Na s. 67 měla jasně modré oči.
s. 164 Rukama si sáhl na týl hlavy, aby si uvolnil pásku. (...) Chvíli mu trvalo, než je rozvázal.
s. 165 Začal rozvazovat uzly na pásce. Dalo mu to hodně práce a trvalo to dlouho, ale alespoň se nějak zaměstnal.
To rozvazoval ty uzly, které rozvázal už na s. 164?
s. 170 „Teď máme deset hodin,“ pokračoval muž. „Poprava – tvoje poprava – je stanovena na jednu hodinu.“
s. 171 a začal se modlit
s. 172 Do hodiny bude mrtvý.
To se modlil dvě hodiny?
s. 180,181
Musíme jet. Nezdržuj. Není čas.
Vlastně ne. Nejdřív se svlíkni a vezmi si jiné oblečení.
Když už předpokládá, že ultrasuper tajná organizace dá sledovací zařízení do oblečení, neměl by ho svlíknout hned?
Navzdory tomu, že ví, že jde o sebevražednou misi, neustále skuhrá a diví se, jak je to těžké a nemožné. A co čekal? Že mu vydají rukojmí a s kyticemi ho doprovodí k letadlu?
A můžou za to ti hlupáci z Vauxhalu. Nebo Vauxhallu.
Byť to byl celé hrdinův nápad.
Ale kdo by si to po 150 stranách ještě pamatoval.
Je zvláštní, že zatímco u Katie velmi podrobně popisuje leccos, hrdinovo ústrojí končí kopretinou.
s. 220 Když sloužil u Pluku a podnikali operace na osvobozování rukojmí, byl na to vycvičený a věděl, že je to jedna z nejtěžších vojenských operací...
A kolik jich tak prožil?
s. 10 Nyní měl před sebou první akci, v níž půjde skutečně o život...
Takže to byla jeho první akce? Nebo ty ostatní byly stěží obecním přeborem, o kterém není třeba hovořit?
s. 261 Muž ležel na zemi na břiše. (...) Byl skvěle maskovaný.
Porter měl naštěstí dalekohled, takže když ho z padesáti metrů slyšel mluvit, zatímco jedl cereálie(!), tak ho našel.
s. 268
Hassad svázal řidiče a Poté rychle doběhl k dodávce. (...) Hassad vzal za volant, prudce sešlápl plynový pedál, otočil se s autem a zacouval k okraji silnice. „Rychle dovnitř,“ zavolal na Portera, který čekal u Katie. (...)
Hassad položil Katie vedle klece a sedl si na sedadlo spolujezdce. „Jeď, je to asi deset kilometrů,“ vyštěkl na Portera.
Takže Hassad vystoupí z auta a naloží Katie, u které zatím jen tak postává Porter? Porter si sedne na místo řidiče a Hassad na místo spolujezdce?
Ale není tomu tak.
s. 269 Hassad sešlápl pedál plynu až k podlaze a rozjel auto
Ale přesto Hassad neřídil.
s. 270 Porter zapnul blinkr a odbočil. (...)
Porter sjel s dodávkou vedle cesty. (...) Porter zastavil motor a vystoupil z auta.
Tohle opravdu nikomu nepřišlo divné?
s. 276 i když je signál dost slabý
Ale přesto dost silný, aby ho našli i dole v dole?
Poučení ze s. 289 Není problém v deset večer překročit libanonskou a izraelskou hranici. Bez dokladů. S autem plným zbraní.
Pak se Hassad pěšky vrátí zpátky do Libanonu. Aby se zase o pár stran dál vynořil a zachránil hrdinu?
To jako šel s puškou zpátky do Libanonu? Nebo tam jen tak ležela a on to předvídal? A proč zastřelí jen dva ze tří?
A když tam autor ještě nacpal toho-jehož-jméno-nesmí-být-vysloveno, který tam na hrdinu číhá... Už jsem se snad ani nedivila.
I když... proč by průměrně inteligentní člověk věřil, že novinářka bude do smrti držet pusu a neřekne dvě věty, které by mu zničili život? Když ji prostě a jednoduše může zabít jako x lidí před tím?
s. 290 „Co po nás chce?“ zeptala se Katie s úzkostí v hlase.
„Jak to mám vědět?“
Co asi by po nich chtěl mezi dvěma hraničními přechody?
s. 223 Kapitola dvacátá první
s. 235 Kapitola dvacátá první
Oblíbené slovo: koksový koš
s. 25 Jeho rty se vyčerpaly ?
s. 37 Street_,_u
s. 51 ruku. otočil
s. 53 přinesla na stůj kávu
s. 54 my řekl
s. 62 všechnysvé
s. 83 na papíry, které měl položená
s. 122 další,a
s. 123 zabránit“
s. 134 zkouše [zkoušel]
opilec, V
s. 137 Johny Walkerem/Johnnie Walker
s. 138 mufina
s. 224 hlavou, „Už
s. 226 Provazy, jimž byl svázán
s. 231 skurvenej
s. 241 patro. tam
s. 247 Hassadovi, „Dej
s. 252 mrtvé“ řekl
s. 263 Porter [Portera]
s. 270 Hassada [Hassad a]
čárka - s. 10
špatné dělení slov - s. 39, 91
mě/mně – s. 77
uvozovky - s. 10, 15, 23, 30, 37, 47, 52, 68, 74, 78, 80, 87, 109, 121, 123, 124, 151, 196, 211, 214, 238, 244, 249, 265, 269, 274, 275, 285, 296
ji/jí - s. 245
Je to takový... rodokaps průměrného grafomana.
Včetně úrovně korektury.
Během necelých 36 hodin udělají z nemocného ožraly, který 15 let chlastá (pod mostem) první ligu, elitního vojáka?
Protože kdysi před léty pracoval u SAS?
s. 78 „Do Bejrútu mohu přiletět ve čtvrtek ráno.“
s. 117 Odlétá z Heathrow v osm hodin, let trvá 4 hodiny a 45 minut
s. 124 [před odletem] Byla středa večer. (...) Za méně než dvacet čtyři hodin tam budu taky.
s. 208 V Bejrútu bylo o dvě hodiny více než v Londýně
Takže 8 + 4,45=12,45+2=14,45.
To je ráno?
s. 139 Byli ve vzduchu již tři hodiny (...) Byli přibližně v polovině cesty do Bejrútu.
Aha, přibližně polovina ze 4 hodin a 45 minut jsou 3 hodiny.
Konspirativně si koupil nové oblečení, aby si byl jistý, že ho nebudou sledovat.
s. 138 požádal o džíny, bílou košili, ponožky, trenýrky a jeden pár tenisek velikosti 43.
Přesto na s. 140 Lahvičky si schoval do kapes bundy.
A tu bundu vzal přibližně kde?
Ale nechá si tašku, kterou ho vybavili, a kde má rezervní džiny, několik košilí, holení a další drobnosti. (s. 136).
s. 21 Mužovy nohy však byly víc než měsíc svázané
s. 9 jej v posledních čtyřech měsících věznili
s. 26 Z pahýlů poraněných prstů
s. 27 atd. pahýly
s. 28 Kdybyste měl ty ustřelené články (...)co z jeho dvou prstů zbylo
Na s. 23 to byl jeden prst.
kdy z jeho levé ruky odpadl poslední článek ukazováčku
s. 140 tmavé oči jí planuly hněvem
Na s. 67 měla jasně modré oči.
s. 164 Rukama si sáhl na týl hlavy, aby si uvolnil pásku. (...) Chvíli mu trvalo, než je rozvázal.
s. 165 Začal rozvazovat uzly na pásce. Dalo mu to hodně práce a trvalo to dlouho, ale alespoň se nějak zaměstnal.
To rozvazoval ty uzly, které rozvázal už na s. 164?
s. 170 „Teď máme deset hodin,“ pokračoval muž. „Poprava – tvoje poprava – je stanovena na jednu hodinu.“
s. 171 a začal se modlit
s. 172 Do hodiny bude mrtvý.
To se modlil dvě hodiny?
s. 180,181
Musíme jet. Nezdržuj. Není čas.
Vlastně ne. Nejdřív se svlíkni a vezmi si jiné oblečení.
Když už předpokládá, že ultrasuper tajná organizace dá sledovací zařízení do oblečení, neměl by ho svlíknout hned?
Navzdory tomu, že ví, že jde o sebevražednou misi, neustále skuhrá a diví se, jak je to těžké a nemožné. A co čekal? Že mu vydají rukojmí a s kyticemi ho doprovodí k letadlu?
A můžou za to ti hlupáci z Vauxhalu. Nebo Vauxhallu.
Byť to byl celé hrdinův nápad.
Ale kdo by si to po 150 stranách ještě pamatoval.
Je zvláštní, že zatímco u Katie velmi podrobně popisuje leccos, hrdinovo ústrojí končí kopretinou.
s. 220 Když sloužil u Pluku a podnikali operace na osvobozování rukojmí, byl na to vycvičený a věděl, že je to jedna z nejtěžších vojenských operací...
A kolik jich tak prožil?
s. 10 Nyní měl před sebou první akci, v níž půjde skutečně o život...
Takže to byla jeho první akce? Nebo ty ostatní byly stěží obecním přeborem, o kterém není třeba hovořit?
s. 261 Muž ležel na zemi na břiše. (...) Byl skvěle maskovaný.
Porter měl naštěstí dalekohled, takže když ho z padesáti metrů slyšel mluvit, zatímco jedl cereálie(!), tak ho našel.
s. 268
Hassad svázal řidiče a Poté rychle doběhl k dodávce. (...) Hassad vzal za volant, prudce sešlápl plynový pedál, otočil se s autem a zacouval k okraji silnice. „Rychle dovnitř,“ zavolal na Portera, který čekal u Katie. (...)
Hassad položil Katie vedle klece a sedl si na sedadlo spolujezdce. „Jeď, je to asi deset kilometrů,“ vyštěkl na Portera.
Takže Hassad vystoupí z auta a naloží Katie, u které zatím jen tak postává Porter? Porter si sedne na místo řidiče a Hassad na místo spolujezdce?
Ale není tomu tak.
s. 269 Hassad sešlápl pedál plynu až k podlaze a rozjel auto
Ale přesto Hassad neřídil.
s. 270 Porter zapnul blinkr a odbočil. (...)
Porter sjel s dodávkou vedle cesty. (...) Porter zastavil motor a vystoupil z auta.
Tohle opravdu nikomu nepřišlo divné?
s. 276 i když je signál dost slabý
Ale přesto dost silný, aby ho našli i dole v dole?
Poučení ze s. 289 Není problém v deset večer překročit libanonskou a izraelskou hranici. Bez dokladů. S autem plným zbraní.
Pak se Hassad pěšky vrátí zpátky do Libanonu. Aby se zase o pár stran dál vynořil a zachránil hrdinu?
To jako šel s puškou zpátky do Libanonu? Nebo tam jen tak ležela a on to předvídal? A proč zastřelí jen dva ze tří?
A když tam autor ještě nacpal toho-jehož-jméno-nesmí-být-vysloveno, který tam na hrdinu číhá... Už jsem se snad ani nedivila.
I když... proč by průměrně inteligentní člověk věřil, že novinářka bude do smrti držet pusu a neřekne dvě věty, které by mu zničili život? Když ji prostě a jednoduše může zabít jako x lidí před tím?
s. 290 „Co po nás chce?“ zeptala se Katie s úzkostí v hlase.
„Jak to mám vědět?“
Co asi by po nich chtěl mezi dvěma hraničními přechody?
s. 223 Kapitola dvacátá první
s. 235 Kapitola dvacátá první
Oblíbené slovo: koksový koš
s. 25 Jeho rty se vyčerpaly ?
s. 37 Street_,_u
s. 51 ruku. otočil
s. 53 přinesla na stůj kávu
s. 54 my řekl
s. 62 všechnysvé
s. 83 na papíry, které měl položená
s. 122 další,a
s. 123 zabránit“
s. 134 zkouše [zkoušel]
opilec, V
s. 137 Johny Walkerem/Johnnie Walker
s. 138 mufina
s. 224 hlavou, „Už
s. 226 Provazy, jimž byl svázán
s. 231 skurvenej
s. 241 patro. tam
s. 247 Hassadovi, „Dej
s. 252 mrtvé“ řekl
s. 263 Porter [Portera]
s. 270 Hassada [Hassad a]
čárka - s. 10
špatné dělení slov - s. 39, 91
mě/mně – s. 77
uvozovky - s. 10, 15, 23, 30, 37, 47, 52, 68, 74, 78, 80, 87, 109, 121, 123, 124, 151, 196, 211, 214, 238, 244, 249, 265, 269, 274, 275, 285, 296
ji/jí - s. 245
January 14, 2026
This was my first time reading a book by Chris Ryan. I was gifted a collection of his books for xmas but this one wasn’t in the set despite it being the first one in the series. You don’t need to read this one first but apparently reading this one first makes the others more understandable. I made a quick purchase and started to read as soon as I got it. I can say that this story grabbed my attention from the start and found myself picking it up whenever I had a chance as I needed to know what was going to happen. It has plenty of detail and the story is easy to follow and read. Looking forward to the next book in the series now.
February 1, 2020
7/10
A few years ago I saw the 'Strike Back' series. When I brought this book home from the meeting, I had made no connection between that series and this book. Now I do, remembering this is the book with which the series starts.
It was a nice read, but I found it somewhat superficial here and there. Everything John undertakes runs pretty smoothly, even the set backs are overcome with relative ease. I miss some details in descriptions and the story felt a bit far fetched at times. Nevertheless it was nice to be back in that world again.
A few years ago I saw the 'Strike Back' series. When I brought this book home from the meeting, I had made no connection between that series and this book. Now I do, remembering this is the book with which the series starts.
It was a nice read, but I found it somewhat superficial here and there. Everything John undertakes runs pretty smoothly, even the set backs are overcome with relative ease. I miss some details in descriptions and the story felt a bit far fetched at times. Nevertheless it was nice to be back in that world again.
April 15, 2011
"As Winston Churchill said, 'If you are going through hell, keep going.'"
I posted about the first 200 pages of this, and finished the book quite soon after, but was absorbed in my move to Wordpress. To recap: we open with a covert rescue operation which has disastrous consequences. Two men survive - John Porter, who is scarred (literally and mentally) by the fiasco, takes to the bottle and the London streets; and Peregrine Collinson (apparently people do have names like that), who rises through the ranks and is knighted. When a television darling is kidnapped in Beirut 20 years later, Porter finds an opportunity to get back into SAS life, but is thrown straight back into conflict with Collinson.
Ryan has a real knack for memorable protagonists. Porter is by no means perfect - an alcoholic ex-homeless man with an antagonistic and impetuous rescue style - but his heart is true and he loves his daughter dearly. All through the suicide mission he thinks of her and how he won't see her again.
Hassad is an excellent foil for Porter - a bad guy with morals. He adapts to tricky situations in surprising ways and honours his word above all. Katie (the TV darling) is a bit of a non-character, but then there is no need for her to be very interesting - she is simply the prize to be reclaimed. There's a spot of token combativeness but mostly she wafts about wanly in the background. Collinson is surprisingly absent from most of the story but as we are firmly on Porter's side throughout, that doesn't really matter either.
The plot is fantastic (in the fantasy sense, rather than the amazing sense), as usual, and there are a few too many close escapes from certain doom, but the military/survival stuff is interleaved with interpersonal conflict and uncertainty and deception. The opposition is multi-layered, providing interesting twists along the way and a bit of variation (it gets boring if the hero is constantly escaping from the same enemy). At the end, I thought "oh of course, so obvious..." but I hadn't figured it out until then. Which I think is always a good sign for a book.
I can't say it better than I already did: what I particularly enjoyed about Ryan's writing when I churned through The Kremlin Device and The Watchman back in November is the no-nonsense style, mixed with a dark British sense of humour. There is plenty of weapons and fighting chat, but not so much that it becomes tedious. Daring rescues go wrong. Ryan isn't afraid to let Porter use some un-PC language to carve out his character, and conveys the hopelessness of the homeless very effectively; ditto the shame of a failed soldier.
One touch that I particularly appreciated is the recurrence of a reworked version of Elton John's Someone Saved My Life Tonight - as he did for Princess Diana's funeral, Elton rewrites a much-loved song for a tragic situation in this novel. Porter hears it before he even knows what is going on, and he hears it again in Lebanon - much to the bemusement of the Hezbollah soldiers:
'I don't understand why they play this song all the time,' said Nasri. 'This Elton man, with the funny glasses, is he some sort of religious figure?'
A fun, light read with a heart.
I posted about the first 200 pages of this, and finished the book quite soon after, but was absorbed in my move to Wordpress. To recap: we open with a covert rescue operation which has disastrous consequences. Two men survive - John Porter, who is scarred (literally and mentally) by the fiasco, takes to the bottle and the London streets; and Peregrine Collinson (apparently people do have names like that), who rises through the ranks and is knighted. When a television darling is kidnapped in Beirut 20 years later, Porter finds an opportunity to get back into SAS life, but is thrown straight back into conflict with Collinson.
Ryan has a real knack for memorable protagonists. Porter is by no means perfect - an alcoholic ex-homeless man with an antagonistic and impetuous rescue style - but his heart is true and he loves his daughter dearly. All through the suicide mission he thinks of her and how he won't see her again.
Hassad is an excellent foil for Porter - a bad guy with morals. He adapts to tricky situations in surprising ways and honours his word above all. Katie (the TV darling) is a bit of a non-character, but then there is no need for her to be very interesting - she is simply the prize to be reclaimed. There's a spot of token combativeness but mostly she wafts about wanly in the background. Collinson is surprisingly absent from most of the story but as we are firmly on Porter's side throughout, that doesn't really matter either.
The plot is fantastic (in the fantasy sense, rather than the amazing sense), as usual, and there are a few too many close escapes from certain doom, but the military/survival stuff is interleaved with interpersonal conflict and uncertainty and deception. The opposition is multi-layered, providing interesting twists along the way and a bit of variation (it gets boring if the hero is constantly escaping from the same enemy). At the end, I thought "oh of course, so obvious..." but I hadn't figured it out until then. Which I think is always a good sign for a book.
I can't say it better than I already did: what I particularly enjoyed about Ryan's writing when I churned through The Kremlin Device and The Watchman back in November is the no-nonsense style, mixed with a dark British sense of humour. There is plenty of weapons and fighting chat, but not so much that it becomes tedious. Daring rescues go wrong. Ryan isn't afraid to let Porter use some un-PC language to carve out his character, and conveys the hopelessness of the homeless very effectively; ditto the shame of a failed soldier.
One touch that I particularly appreciated is the recurrence of a reworked version of Elton John's Someone Saved My Life Tonight - as he did for Princess Diana's funeral, Elton rewrites a much-loved song for a tragic situation in this novel. Porter hears it before he even knows what is going on, and he hears it again in Lebanon - much to the bemusement of the Hezbollah soldiers:
'I don't understand why they play this song all the time,' said Nasri. 'This Elton man, with the funny glasses, is he some sort of religious figure?'
A fun, light read with a heart.
April 6, 2016
Summary
For a soldier, Chris Ryan writes well! I found this book after looking at the series, Strike Back. This is the story of John Porter, ex-SAS who, after a hostage rescue goes wrong, finds himself turning to alcohol and ends up living on the streets. After 17 years (!) he is given a second chance when he realizes he could help the regiment on a mission to rescue a kidnapped journalist that he alone could do, and he takes that chance even if it could mean his death in order to redeem himself in the eyes of his daughter.
The Good
Fast-paced, action-packed and a good story line. Chris Ryan knows his weapons, the territory, the military operations in the Far East, the geography, and it all makes for good fun reading. For sure this is not literature, but it is such an easy and gripping book, that I read it through quite quickly.
The Hmmmmm
I did find John Porter’s ability to manipulate Hassad (the kidnapper in the novel) and Hassad’s cooperation to be a bit far-fetched when Porter needed his help to escape.
Favourite Quote
“ ‘Like I said earlier, it sounds like I’ll need a plan B’, said Porter. ‘Because I can’t see them going for any of that bollocks. They’ve had more peace plans than I’ve had bottles of vodka, and if they wanted money, they would have asked for it by now.’ “
Recommended for
If military action is your thing, then Chris Ryan is your author guy. His characters are simple and the world is very real that he writes about. Real, believable and after having read The One that Got Away you know he has lived that life of a soldier and survived.
For a soldier, Chris Ryan writes well! I found this book after looking at the series, Strike Back. This is the story of John Porter, ex-SAS who, after a hostage rescue goes wrong, finds himself turning to alcohol and ends up living on the streets. After 17 years (!) he is given a second chance when he realizes he could help the regiment on a mission to rescue a kidnapped journalist that he alone could do, and he takes that chance even if it could mean his death in order to redeem himself in the eyes of his daughter.
The Good
Fast-paced, action-packed and a good story line. Chris Ryan knows his weapons, the territory, the military operations in the Far East, the geography, and it all makes for good fun reading. For sure this is not literature, but it is such an easy and gripping book, that I read it through quite quickly.
The Hmmmmm
I did find John Porter’s ability to manipulate Hassad (the kidnapper in the novel) and Hassad’s cooperation to be a bit far-fetched when Porter needed his help to escape.
Favourite Quote
“ ‘Like I said earlier, it sounds like I’ll need a plan B’, said Porter. ‘Because I can’t see them going for any of that bollocks. They’ve had more peace plans than I’ve had bottles of vodka, and if they wanted money, they would have asked for it by now.’ “
Recommended for
If military action is your thing, then Chris Ryan is your author guy. His characters are simple and the world is very real that he writes about. Real, believable and after having read The One that Got Away you know he has lived that life of a soldier and survived.
April 14, 2014
Not my usual genre, but I read a good book called ‘Rage’ by Simon Conway, and the cover blurb compared it to Chris Ryan. Well, after reading Strike Back I think Simon Conway should be insulted.
On the good side, this book was entertaining and easy to get through. It made me laugh in parts, but not for the reasons a writer would want a reader to laugh.
On the bad side, it was poorly written, cliche heavy, prop like characters, and very predictable. It was also annoying. Chris Ryan is not subtle; he spends entire paragraphs telling the reader what is going on, just in case some of us haven’t twigged from his descriptive action sequences. The dialogue was awful.
I’m sure this was a topical subject back in 2007, but it seems Chris Ryan and his publishers decided to cash in on the plight of hostages taken during the Iraq war, and delivered a lame novel while skipping over the editing process.
On the good side, this book was entertaining and easy to get through. It made me laugh in parts, but not for the reasons a writer would want a reader to laugh.
On the bad side, it was poorly written, cliche heavy, prop like characters, and very predictable. It was also annoying. Chris Ryan is not subtle; he spends entire paragraphs telling the reader what is going on, just in case some of us haven’t twigged from his descriptive action sequences. The dialogue was awful.
I’m sure this was a topical subject back in 2007, but it seems Chris Ryan and his publishers decided to cash in on the plight of hostages taken during the Iraq war, and delivered a lame novel while skipping over the editing process.
January 8, 2010
If you had met me only few months ago and told me I might read this book in my future life I would have laughed at you. A military story?!? A best – seller based on action and a very simple plot addressed , evidently, to a male audience?!? Instead...
Record time for my usual reading style. I completed it in only two night reading sessions . I simply could not put it down: just one more chapter, ok one more, and then another … I turned the lights off at 2.a.m. twice and it was over.
My complete review at
http://flyhigh-by-learnonline.blogspo...
Record time for my usual reading style. I completed it in only two night reading sessions . I simply could not put it down: just one more chapter, ok one more, and then another … I turned the lights off at 2.a.m. twice and it was over.
My complete review at
http://flyhigh-by-learnonline.blogspo...
February 19, 2015
I love the cable TV series "Strike Back" and wanted to read this thriller for a couple of years now. I kept waiting for it to come out in e-format. Never did, so I broke down and picked up a very used hardback from Amazon. My first hardback read in over 4 years. I zipped right thru it.
Lots of spy type action. Quite different from the TV series, but I liked the difference. Written back in 2007, the plot deals almost directly with what is happening in the middle east now.
I will look around for other Chris Ryan titles. He does have a few in e-format.
Lots of spy type action. Quite different from the TV series, but I liked the difference. Written back in 2007, the plot deals almost directly with what is happening in the middle east now.
I will look around for other Chris Ryan titles. He does have a few in e-format.
September 16, 2013
Never judge a book by its cover. Or the blurb. Or by the author. Pins it all on one "major" twist that was so predictable I guessed it from the blurb, without having read a single page. Promises a lot of breath-taking action, but doesn't deliver. The amateurish writing and cardboard characterisation doesn't help either - two-dimensional doesn't begin to describe it.
Could have been so much better. I could think of a dozen plot twists that could have made it a better read.
Chris Ryan blew a good plot big time.
Could have been so much better. I could think of a dozen plot twists that could have made it a better read.
Chris Ryan blew a good plot big time.
July 25, 2012
I first saw this as a TV production. Not bad at all - but the book is far more dramatic and a great read. I'm not going to give anything away. Just to say that if you like black ops stories, Chris Ryan is a master author and 'Strike Back' is hard to put down as there are no points at which the action stops long enough for you to think you will stop there and pick up again tomorrow. A great read - Ryan never fails to deliver.
December 30, 2015
This is my first Chris Ryan novel and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The book sounds gruesome and not really an easy read. It was, however, gripping and a book that I just couldn't put down.
Telling a story like this could have been risky, however Ryan possess the skill to make the story flow, instead of seeming monotone as it has the ability to become.
I wasn't sure if this was a book that I would really enjoy, however I will definitely purchase another of his novels.
Telling a story like this could have been risky, however Ryan possess the skill to make the story flow, instead of seeming monotone as it has the ability to become.
I wasn't sure if this was a book that I would really enjoy, however I will definitely purchase another of his novels.
April 14, 2010
Typical boy's own adventure. Lots of violence, women with ample breasts and men with large, ahem, weapons. If you're a militant feminist you're not going to like this but for the rest of us who enjoy an uncomplicated easy read once in a while then this is the book for you. Ryan needs a better editor and that's the only thing that stopped me from giving this 5 stars.
March 24, 2016
Strike Back by Chris Ryan.
Although I guessed foul play from the opening chapters I raced through the pages to confirm my suspicion. A great read. Chris Ryan is a great author and you are always guaranteed a good read. I've got quite a few of his books and audio books and highly recommend them all.
Although I guessed foul play from the opening chapters I raced through the pages to confirm my suspicion. A great read. Chris Ryan is a great author and you are always guaranteed a good read. I've got quite a few of his books and audio books and highly recommend them all.
September 12, 2010
Another rollicking and action packed thriller by Chris Ryan. The fast-paced plot, exciting action scenes and the satisfying ending did not disappoint. Strike Back was definitely a good choice to read during the last days of summer.
February 18, 2013
Decided to read this book after watching the BBC series. The movie and the book were very similar, except for some minor details; although its quite interesting to see how the ending differs between the movie and the book.
April 24, 2015
Fast-paced and action packed, "Strike Back" by Chris Ryan is the book on which the cable series is based. Grisly details and good plot, I'm looking forward to reading more by this ex-SAS soldier. So glad the book is not based off the series, but is one of many written by the author.
November 12, 2016
Brilliant book
Chris Ryan is an excellent author and he can write some amazing books on war and espionage
I have read almost all of his books
I hope he will continue to write more
This book is another must read
Chris Ryan is an excellent author and he can write some amazing books on war and espionage
I have read almost all of his books
I hope he will continue to write more
This book is another must read
July 22, 2011
great book with an excellent story.and plus by chris ryan.one of my favourite authors.
September 23, 2013
Great book, couldn't put it down, which for me is unusual. Porter is a great character who you really feel you know as the book goes on. Definitely recommended...
November 11, 2013
My first Chris Ryan book, recommended by a friend - and I wasn't disappointed. Excellent.
January 7, 2014
I don't really need to recommend this book - it was used as the basis for a TV series of the same name, series 4 of which has just finished. Riveting stuff for action readers.
July 14, 2014
Loved this! Watched the series on TV too and the book is every bit as adrenaline fueled and sexy. You absolutely HAVE to keep turning the page.
February 20, 2015
This was such an exciting story. It was better than anything I have watched on TV. The action was solid without being overly technical.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews