BLOWBACKFunction: noun: an unforeseen and unwanted effect, result, or set of repercussions: CIA code name for an agent or operation that has turned on itscreators: botched covert actionFormer Navy SEAL Scot Harvath in an instant realizes he's blown and many fatwa will be placed upon his head. Al Jazeera has captured him beating a poor, helpless Iraqi, not his nemesis Khalid Sheik Alomari, a superior and ruthless Al Qaeda assassin he has been tracking for months. Though his face is not seen, the American Flag patch on his camouflaged fatigues is. He is immediately recalled to D.C. He is forced to resign from the Office of International Investigative Assistance at DHS by popular President Jack Rutledge. He's stunned to learn that his years of service and loyalty to this President mean nothing. Or do they?Ripped from the Headlines, Thor delivers a chilling fast-paced plot that is both smart and frightening. Entombed in an Alpine glacier, an ancient weapon designed to annihilate the Roman Empire has been found. A group with Al Qaeda links led by the Scorpion intends to use it to bring America to her knees.A group of Islamic scientists working on the miracle of the 'Sword of Allah' are dying in accidents arranged by Khalid Sheik Alomari while villagers and Christian Missionaries in Northwest Iraq die a slow painful death as do the Soldiers from Arrowhead Brigade SBCT who discover this diseased village devoured by "Algul!! Algul! Algul!" (vampire) leaving only the Sunni. The Christians and Shiites all are dead. Scot reluctantly accepts a Black Operation to find the only surviving scientist who may know the connection between the deaths, the deadly biochemical, and the 'Sword of Allah, because he must avoid a subpoena from the powerful obdurate Senator Helen Carmichael. Bring down Rutledge, and become the first woman POTUS, no matter the cost to the country or allies her secret dossiers.Without support from his government, Harvath must accept help from the Uncle of the kidnapped scientist (whom he doesn't trust) and beautiful Molecular Biologist Jillian Alcott. Jillian and Scot soon discover a possible connection to the missing scientist and the biological weapon as they evade Khalid Sheik Alomari and murder charges. As they race across Europe, and the Middle East, the reader delves into the terrifying world of Wahhabism, the Royal Saudi family, and the Profit's lineage to stop the pandemic that is about to released upon the world, while Harvath's former bosses try to stop the Senator.
I can’t use the work ‘blow’ any more. Lets face it—‘blow’ is a lot more funny than it used to be. It has taken on new multiple meanings since the 1970s indicating either drug use or highly entertaining sexual act. Mostly, these days we are on our own deciphering the correct connotation, if any. Can you imagine how confused I became when I realized the movie ‘Blow’ was not the biography of Linda Lovelace and ‘Come Blow Your Horn’ was not about doing toot at band camp? ‘Blowback’ is a real word—applying to a military operation gone wrong, or the shell ejaculation after firing a rifle, or a trendy women’s hair style. One of those definitions applies to this book—even though it makes a completely silly title for a thriller not involving cocaine or people subjugated to their knees. This is the continuation of uber-hero macho man Scot Harvath who is faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than . . . etc. etc. Harvath will save the world from destruction again—this time from an ancient Roman biological weapon the badie guys found in the Alps. The novel is full of dashing rescues, narrow escapes, improbable cliffhangers and of course . . . wait for it . . . the stunning beautiful scientist femme fetal who beds the hero only after they escape an avalanche and hang glide across international borders. Why not? Would our hero have bothered to prevent Armageddon if he was paired with a sixty-three year old 5’2” 371 lb grandmother named Fido? I think not. Horvath and Pitt should give up saving the Planet, settle down together offering stud service to female academics (who always seem to be in need of a good lay). The novel is entertaining. It’s full of testosterone (my favorite essence). In the midst of the complete absurdness of it all the author gives an interesting lecture on the history of ancient biological warfare. I kid you not—it is actually worth the read just for that. I mock – but really, it’s not bad. Had me singing “blow, blow, blow the man down.”
What do You think about Blowback (2006)?
Brad Thor is back on track with Blowback.This was a super interesting storyline - albeit full of stereotypes and biases that are likely much easier seen post 9-11, it was none-the-less a true page turner.The story lines follow two distinct plots. Firstly the attempted political and career discrediting of the main character, Scot Harvarth, by a US Senator who has her sights set on the Vice-Presidential and ultimately Presidential nomination though the destroying of the current sitting President.The second and primary story line follows the plot of radical terrorists to decimate the US through an ancient and extremely deadly biohazard that will see all but true believers die a painful and horrible death as their brains turn to liquid.I particularly loved the story tie-ins to the famous Carthaginian General Hannibal and to ancient forms of warfare.
—Createpei
If you are a fan of Ludlum, you may like Brad Thor. If you are a fan of "24" & "Burn Notice" you may like Thor's novels. If you are a right-wing conservative who believes in "might is right", then you'll like Brad Thor's novels. I like Thor because he writes a good thriller & keeps the criticism of liberalism on the down low (totally unlike author Vince Flynn's novels). In this thriller, counter-terrorism operative, Scot Harvath, sets out to prevent a Muslim caliphate from becoming a reality by stopping a virus from wiping out all non-Muslims. It's a very sci-fi like plot (I know what you are thinking: "How does a virus target a person's religious beliefs?") &, with patience, Thor manages to get every question answered--no matter how far fetched the plot device is. Again: fans of "24" will love this type of thriller. I enjoyed it but its not the best of its kind--Harvath is no Jason Bourne but then, who is? It's also better than a Daniel Silva thriller which is saying a lot. Will I read more of Thor? Yes. Why? Because he keeps the plot moving, provides a lot of action & his main character is not impervious to getting hurt (unlike Vince Flynn's characters). Does Brad Thor hate liberals & kiss GOP ass? Oh Lord, yes. But if the GOP are good for anything, they write fun thrillers if you can get past the right wing, flag waving politics.
—Jason
I checked out from public library the audio book version. The narrator is one of the best narrators in my opinion; I wanted to read/listen something similar to Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, after I finished the entire series and had withdrawals for more of the same. This is not as good as Flynn's flawless, absorbing, nail biting suspense in the Mitch Rapp books. I was unable to finish this book. That us unusual for me because I never give up on books! I just could not take this story and characters anymore. I felt the story and how it evolved was just silly and weak. I would not recommend this to those who love Mitch Rapp and the Gray Man aka Court Gentry. This Harvarth guy will disappoint you.
—Jimena
