It’s New Year’s Eve. A major terrorist cell is planning a series of attacks across London over the next forty-eight hours. The government has surveillance on the group, a man undercover, and prepare to move in, to take out the terrorists before they can strike. But they lose contact with their inside man. And the cell vanishes into thin air, dispersing into the streets, armed and intent on … completing their assault on London. The best Counter-Terrorist teams in the country are told to take them down before it’s too late.
Nine terrorists.
Nine lives.
The Armed Response Unit is one of these teams. Efficient and ruthless, the task force is ordered to locate the leader of the cell. As they hunt him down, they begin to realise that this is far bigger than any of them could ever have imagined. Bombings, rocket attacks, betrayal and a series of unexpected and shocking twists leave the ARU fighting to stay alive.
There’s Archer, the youngest member of the team, keen to prove himself and justify his spot on the task force. His best friend, Chalky, who is forced to fight both the terrorists and his own demons. Porter, Deakins and Fox, tough and experienced men who’ve never dealt with anything of this magnitude. And Mac, their sergeant, who must make the quickest of decisions and lead his men against the invisible enemy.
As events unfold, other people are drawn into the danger. The Prime Minister, desperately trying to find a solution and protect the capital. A mysterious female Mossad agent, who appears out of nowhere and joins the fight against the cell. Two Special Agents from the DEA, one of whom was a member of the SEAL team that stormed Osama Bin Laden’s compound and who for some reason is struggling with the memory. And the vicious, powerful leader of a Middle Eastern drug cartel, who operates in the shadows and is somehow connected to the terrorists.
With crowds all over London celebrating the New Year, and with nine terrorists somewhere amongst them, the Armed Response Unit is faced with the most dangerous night of their lives. As the savage, shocking plans of the enemy are fully revealed, the ARU officers are faced with the ultimate question.
How many times can a man cheat Death before Death evens the score?
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This book is suspenseful and realistic. I couldn’t put it down. The characters are well developed. There are just enough surprises to satisfy and plenty of things to like and dislike about the characters. Can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
This was an enjoyable ride. I did not want to put it down. I felt the characters were believable and developed. I expect further development as the series progresses. Lots of plot twists and turns. Lots of action.
I have the next 5 in the series and am anxious to get to them.
This was my first book by the author but it will definitely not be my last and I can’t wait to start Book #2. I love military and police action books and this one definitely clicks all the boxes of everything that is great to read. Sam may be the youngest member of the ARU (Armed Response Unit) but he definitely pulls his weight when the members …
I enjoyed the book and appreciated the fast paced suspense and mystery from beginning to end.
Not nine lives in the normal way of thinking about it. Great book!!
Tom Barber has created a terrific cast of characters in his first Sam Archer novel. It’s an action packed non stop thriller.
This is the first of Sam Archer series, but this book did not have much of Sam Archer, mostly about other characters. Will read next one to see if development of Archer.
I finished it in one day. Very good read
I was looking for more of the title character as advertised, but the story line only had him in it sporadically.The story though was very good.
After awhile, the number of bodies was more than my comfort zone. Many people would not agree with me
Great characters and non-stop action. Great series start. You’ve got a fan in me.
A fast past thriller that keeps you turning the pages. A elite team of officers that are led all around London to stop Terrorist. A very good read.
First in a series, now I have to find the rest.
Thanks for the great job in writing this book! It kept me up all night!
This book is great, you can read it as a stand-alone, and it is not one of the, “ buy the next book to see what happens deals.” Genuinely good, action packed, and full of plot twists
not too original
my kind of action book. many twists and turns and the end is … surprising
Sort of run of the mill- interesting but not exceptional
a little long winded but entertaining
Sam Archer and his fellow officers make for an action packed series. I look forward to reading more about their exploits.