The Apostle

Very well written-exellent research and detail.All of the Equipment used by the Scott Harvath Character are real,not fabricated.As a reader and firearms enthusiast,accuracy about what is used is important to me.Much of the items used ARE Real(i can attest to this)and i use frequently.Brad Thor has many fans(i count myself as one)and his fans are associated with that line of work.His novel maintains the high standard that has been set by his previous work.

The Apostle is a excellent read from Brad Thor. Mr Thor has really found his groove in storytelling, character development, factual details, and current topics in a fictional setting. I really enjoyed reacquainting myself with Scot Harvath, Mr Thor's main character. If you are looking for a summer thriller that you open up and just cant put down, this is the book.

Scot Harvath has been honed into one of fiction's most compelling and believable American counterterrorism operatives. In fact, he has only one near-peer and that is Vince Flynn's Mitch Raap. If the United States only had a large contingent of such men (and women) in real life, our security would be greatly enhanced. Alas, we do not. And in "The Apostle", Brad Thor immediately sets up a parallel plot to show us why: cowardice and groundless idealism in high office. Julia Gallo, a doctor working with the CARE relief organization, is kidnapped in Afghanistan by the Taliban. The kidnapping has been engineered by an aggressive Taliban local commander who has great ambition. He is helped in his scheme by a mysterious Russian. The kidnapped doctor just happens to be the daughter of Stephanie Gallo, an immensely powerful and wealthy media mogul who essentially engineered the election of near-pacifist Robert Alden to the Presidency of the United States. Alden, in just a few short weeks, has gutted America's intelligence operations, among other changes which rational people would see endanger the nation. Gallo, who has contributed heavily in every way to put Alden in the White House, wants her daughter to be rescued without delay or consideration for the laws of the land. The kidnappers are demanding the release a major Taliban terrorist in exchange for Julia Gallo. Said terrorist is in the custody of Afghanistani authorities. Stephanie demands that the United States gain possession of him and make the exchange. The weak-willed Alden tells Gallo that the US does not do such things and is peremptorily shut up by a threat from Stephanie Gallo, a threat that is overheard. This puts into motion a particularly compelling back story that alternates with the main story throughout the book. Scot Harvath used to be a counterterrorism operative for a highly secret government agency that was put out of business by the new President who believed in "diplomacy", not, paraphrasing George Orwell, the rough men who stand ready to do violence on the enemies of the people. Confronted with the threats of his benefactor, the spineless Alden yields and gives Presidential cover to Stephanie Gallo's plan of gaining the Taliban terrorist out of an Afghan jail to be exchanged for her daughter. Harvath is reluctant to undertake the mission, but a variety of factors change his mind. Once in Afghanistan, the suspense is ratcheted up as Brad Thor puts Harvath to work organizing the kidnapping of the terrorist. Harvath works with old colleagues in Kabul and Thor's detail practically brings the stench of the city to your nostrils. Unlike many other characters, Harvath comes across as a human being, not some superman endowed with superhuman powers. He gets tired, is always concerned about what might go wrong, pays a lot of attention to detail and stays focused on the mission. Yes, Harvath catches a few lucky breaks, without which the plot would collapse, but fo

Fabulous novel! This 8th novel in the Scot Harvath series might not `kick your teeth in' like The Last Patriot did but it does offer an amazing adventure and realism. The Apostle depicts the complexity of the Afghan culture and urgency to ensure success in Afghanistan. The challenges are real and success is imperative. The other message this novel explores is the despicable corruption of our politicians. Neither party is immune and the American people are sick of it. It was nice to have a character like Elise Campbell see through her adoration to ferret out the truth and hold people accountable. If we want this country to truly change that is what we all must demand. It is time for Americans to give themselves a `gut check'. Thank you, Mr. Thor for another terrific novel!! PS: I loved all the wit and salty language too.

I just finished reading The Apostle. Action, suspense, realism, realism, realism. This is it people. This is how it actually goes down. Great job Mr. Thor, I look forward to your next offering.