One Rough Man (Pike Logan, #1) in SSG: Spy/Spec-Ops Group

Apr 27, 2012 Danielle The Book Huntress rated it really liked it

Shelves: thriller-suspense, first-in-series, 2013-200s-club-challenge, character-grieving-loved-one, tough-as-nails-heroes, special-forces-spec-ops, scary-sexy-cool-dangerous-hero, action-adventure, grumpy-surly-brooding-hero, tough-as-nails-heroine

One Rough Man sounds like a strange title on first glance, but it fits the character of Pike very well. Pike is a tough guy who went through a very horrible personal tragedy that made him even more rough around the edges. He's kind of like John McClane, with added military training. He's the guy who's there at the right time (although not exactly your first choice), and the one who has to save the day.

Initially, this was a slow start. The author gave us a lot of intel into running surveillance o One Rough Man sounds like a strange title on first glance, but it fits the character of Pike very well. Pike is a tough guy who went through a very horrible personal tragedy that made him even more rough around the edges. He's kind of like John McClane, with added military training. He's the guy who's there at the right time (although not exactly your first choice), and the one who has to save the day.

Initially, this was a slow start. The author gave us a lot of intel into running surveillance operations and some inner operational lingo and dynamics that were a bit sluggish to read, and one might be tempted to think this was going to be a military/spy procedural. But once you keep reading, you realize there is plenty of action. I think that's par for the course when you read a new author and learn their way of telling a story.

We get an inside look at terrorists and their methodology, which I appreciated, because it doesn't make a lot of sense to me. However, in their mind, there is a twisted method behind what they do, and at least I got a glimpse into that. And it seemed plausible. It gives me shivers that folks like that are walking around planning to unleash chaos all around us.

Reading the afterward was enlightening. Apparently Taylor took some ribbing from friends in the military over this book, but at least they read it and told him what he had gotten wrong, which was good. Since I have no military background, I don't know enough to catch errors, so it's good to know that an author does his best not to make them. And better yet, no military secrets were exposed in the making of this book! I hate when I see stuff on tv that could affect US operational security and I always worry if terrorists are taking notes!

As far as Pike, he isn't always likable. Well, he's grumpy. I like grumpy heroes, but I know that doesn't work for everyone. He had lots of reasons to be surly and unfriendly, considering what he was suffering. I like that Jennifer kept it real with him and told him he was a jerk when he needed to hear it. Pike is a bad@$$, a man with a well-deserved reputation, and seeing him in action was great. I had some good laughs and some fist pumping moments. Yet despite his tough guy nature, he had moments of doubt and fear, believing he was a dead man a time or two. But at least he kept his cool. He was able to handle his fear and work through it. His sense of honor might be shaky, but it never abandoned him, and that made me love him even more.

I really liked Jennifer. She was pretty well-developed, with her own inner turmoil and angst. Boy was she brave. I liked that she was a companion that more than held her weight with Pike, even after she had met her obligations to him and vice versa. They made a good team, communicating well and looking out for each other's back. I liked how they had a meeting of minds and while there was a connection, their actions made sense for their situations.

The villains were interesting. Not just the expected villain, but someone who should have been doing the right thing. I was kind of shocked at some of the things the villains did. I can't imagine turning off one's morality like that and doing something so awful as was done in this book, especially when you were part of a group that had such high moral expectations. Maybe I am just naive.

The action was great. Not just shooting, but some good hand to hand combat, and a good sense of risk along the way. While Pike is definitely all over it, and Jennifer turns out to be a budding action heroine, they didn't have it easy. There were some moments I was on the edge of my seat, reading as fast as I can.

All in all, a very good read. I would definitely like some more Pike and Jennifer adventures. Not to mention the mega loose end. I can't wait to see Pike rip open a can of you know what on that person.

Recommended to fans of tough guys with the training, smarts and attitude to get the job done. ...more

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Jan 24, 2014 Mike (the Paladin) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: thriller, action

This book had been on my radar for some time before I finally got around to it. I'd seen the glowing reviews the comparisons to other well know action writers so I kept "meaning to get to it".

At first my take on it was, "just another angst ridden super soldier". Some the opening scenes (and this isn't a spoiler) will be familiar to a lot of action, thriller and techno-thriller readers. Without giving details we have a "retired" special ops guy who was "the best in the business" now whiskey soake This book had been on my radar for some time before I finally got around to it. I'd seen the glowing reviews the comparisons to other well know action writers so I kept "meaning to get to it".

At first my take on it was, "just another angst ridden super soldier". Some the opening scenes (and this isn't a spoiler) will be familiar to a lot of action, thriller and techno-thriller readers. Without giving details we have a "retired" special ops guy who was "the best in the business" now whiskey soaked and at a loss. He's a jerk, a danger to society etc., etc., etc.

And I thought this took too long to set up. The writer took his time laying out the characters, the situation and the multilayered plot before the book actually seems to launch. Maybe the first quarter of the book is all set up.

That said once he gets his chess pieces set out the way he wants the book does take off and we get an excellent thriller. There were still odd moments when the characters seemed to me to stumble (for a while) and the voice of our protagonist (well male protagonist) Pike can get very grating as he's sorting out his "issues" still it's a good book. As the action progresses the writer takes a plot that could well have gotten tangled up and bogged down and weaves us a good story of violence and intrigue. Our two protagonists (Pike and Jennifer) change significantly throughout the book. Jennifer is apparently a healing influence on Pike but the way she changes is going to be the more "straining" to "swallow". Also you'll note that during the course of the adventure sometimes it's Jennifer being fatalistic and "we're gonna' die" while Pike is doing the "buck-up we'll come out of this okay" stuff. then they change positions....

However if I've left the impression I don't like the book then let me correct that. Like so many other things in life that are actually great no matter their failings this book is to. Once it gets rolling it draws you in and gives the ever popular proverbial "thrill ride". As soon as I make a little room on my currently reading list to move something off the "to be read" list i intend to get the next Pike Logan thriller.

I'm looking forward to it.

So hang in through the surveillance, the plotting and the introductions and get to the meat of this one. It's great. Recommended.

...more

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Feb 24, 2014 Mike (the Paladin) rated it really liked it

Shelves: action, thriller

This book had been on my radar for some time before I finally got around to it. I'd seen the glowing reviews the comparisons to other well know action writers so I kept "meaning to get to it".

At first my take on it was, "just another angst ridden super soldier". Some the opening scenes (and this isn't a spoiler) will be familiar to a lot of action, thriller and techno-thriller readers. Without giving details we have a "retired" special ops guy who was "the best in the business" now whiskey soake This book had been on my radar for some time before I finally got around to it. I'd seen the glowing reviews the comparisons to other well know action writers so I kept "meaning to get to it".

At first my take on it was, "just another angst ridden super soldier". Some the opening scenes (and this isn't a spoiler) will be familiar to a lot of action, thriller and techno-thriller readers. Without giving details we have a "retired" special ops guy who was "the best in the business" now whiskey soaked and at a loss. He's a jerk, a danger to society etc., etc., etc.

And I thought this took too long to set up. The writer took his time laying out the characters, the situation and the multilayered plot before the book actually seems to launch. Maybe the first quarter of the book is all set up.

That said once he gets his chess pieces set out the way he wants the book does take off and we get an excellent thriller. There were still odd moments when the characters seemed to me to stumble (for a while) and the voice of our protagonist (well male protagonist) Pike can get very grating as he's sorting out his "issues" still it's a good book. As the action progresses the writer takes a plot that could well have gotten tangled up and bogged down and weaves us a good story of violence and intrigue. Our two protagonists (Pike and Jennifer) change significantly throughout the book. Jennifer is apparently a healing influence on Pike but the way she changes is going to be the more "straining" to "swallow". Also you'll note that during the course of the adventure sometimes it's Jennifer being fatalistic and "we're gonna' die" while Pike is doing the "buck-up we'll come out of this okay" stuff. then they change positions....

However if I've left the impression i don't like the book then let me correct that. Like so many other things in life that are actually great no matter their failings this book is to. Once it gets rolling it draws you in and gives the ever popular proverbial "thrill ride". As soon as I make a little room on my currently reading list to move something off the "to be read" list i intend to get the next Pike Logan thriller.

I'm looking forward to it.

So hang in through the surveillance, the plotting and the introductions and get to the meat of this one. It's great. Recommended.

...more

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Oct 21, 2011 Mark rated it really liked it

Shelves: tech-thriller, military, political-thriller, spy-thriller

I have read them out-of-order...this is the 1st of the series...I like the genre and Taylor has now given me the sufficient background for continuing the series...I now have the backstory for Pike, Jennifer and the Taskforce...as well as the Taskforce's uneasy relationship with Pike...very Mitch Rappish, in that they must stop a terrorist plot while enemies within provide the roadblocks...I love the Title's reference to my favorite George Orwell quote, "People sleep peaceably in their beds at ni ...more

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May 11, 2013 P.A. DePaul rated it it was amazing

I'm so glad I picked this book up in Barnes and Noble. What an excellent story. Brad managed to make me feel like I was a part of the team while also explaining all the lingo. Great action. Great suspense. Great characters. Overall, great story! ...more

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Dec 07, 2013 Asteropê rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, g_thriller_spy-political-military, g_action-adventure, read-more-than-once, y_emotionally-tortured-angst-etc, pov-lead_male, y_virus_pandemic-bioterror-etc, title_number-titles, y_falsely-accused_framed, pov_dual-multi

First read: Jan 2014
Second read: July 2025

I didn't realize 11 years have pasted from when I first read this book. I always meant to continue with the series, but never did - got sidetracked. I plan to work my way though it now, though. And because of that, I wanted to refresh my memory. I am glad I did. I remembered bits, but forgot others completely. I enjoyed it just the same.

What I liked was the partnership of Jennifer and Pike. While he is way more skilled than her, he treated her as an equ ...more

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Jun 17, 2011 Richard rated it really liked it

A very good first novel, I thoroughly enjoyed it. A bit slow in the beginning but more than makes up for it as the story unfolds. I believe we will see many more books about Pike and the Task Force. Give this book a shot the writing style is similar to Vince Flynn, Brad Thor etc. I know I will be waiting for the next installment. Thanks for a great read...

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