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Eric Steele #3
One True Patriot
Special operative Eric Steele must stop a foreign assassin targeting top-tier US military personnel and derail a diabolical plot to undermine America’s safety in the third electrifying military thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of All Out War.
When Eric Steele gets a call that a fellow Alpha is in serious trouble, he rushes to Paris. But it’s too late—Ron Raines, Alpha Six, is dead, the victim of a brutal stabbing. While on leave in the City of Light, Raines had met an attractive art historian who lured him to his death. Before she vanished, the mysterious woman left a warning for anyone from the Alpha Program who might follow her.
One of the best and most effective warriors in the U.S. military’s top-secret Program, Steele has been trained to take on lethal enemies, and no threat will deter him from avenging a fallen brother. But the killer won’t be easy to find. The search takes Steele across Europe, from Paris to a top-secret Russian prison to Syria, and finally back home to the streets of Washington, DC.
No one is safe while the killer is on the loose, and the danger is heightened when Steele discovers intel that killing Alphas is just the beginning of a larger, more nefarious plot. The real target is much, much bigger—and it’s up to Steele to prevent catastrophe before he becomes the next elite warrior to fall.
When Eric Steele gets a call that a fellow Alpha is in serious trouble, he rushes to Paris. But it’s too late—Ron Raines, Alpha Six, is dead, the victim of a brutal stabbing. While on leave in the City of Light, Raines had met an attractive art historian who lured him to his death. Before she vanished, the mysterious woman left a warning for anyone from the Alpha Program who might follow her.
One of the best and most effective warriors in the U.S. military’s top-secret Program, Steele has been trained to take on lethal enemies, and no threat will deter him from avenging a fallen brother. But the killer won’t be easy to find. The search takes Steele across Europe, from Paris to a top-secret Russian prison to Syria, and finally back home to the streets of Washington, DC.
No one is safe while the killer is on the loose, and the danger is heightened when Steele discovers intel that killing Alphas is just the beginning of a larger, more nefarious plot. The real target is much, much bigger—and it’s up to Steele to prevent catastrophe before he becomes the next elite warrior to fall.
376 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2020
148 people are currently reading
3605 people want to read
About the author
Sean Parnell
5Ìýbooks373ÌýfollowersSean Parnell is the author of the bestselling memoir Outlaw Platoon. He is a retired Army Infantry captain who served in some of the heaviest combat of the Afghan War. He recounts those battles in vivid detail during his leadership presentations for the nation's most successful teams and corporations. He is also the Co-Founder of the American Warrior Initiative, a charity that honors and empowers our nation's veterans. Sean lives with his three children near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
September 29, 2020
Woah, this one was so intense - endless action, friend or foe, a very suspenseful and entertaining thriller!
Several times the plot do cause frustration. You know something bad is going to happen. Your gut feeling tells you "don't do it", but the characters did it anyway. I just want to scream! I had to put the book down and walk away 😅. Blowing off some steam with GR friend who already read it seems to help (Thank you Brent!). So in a sense I felt it was unbelievable that Alpha operatives who are the best of best would do these stooopid mistakes.
I continue to love the character and Steele's new "keeper" won me over half way through the book. High body count. Is it avoidable when terrorists are on US soil ready to blow things up? That ending though...what a teaser. Of course I can't wait to read the next one. I can only hope that Sean Parnell already wrote book 4. 🤞
Several times the plot do cause frustration. You know something bad is going to happen. Your gut feeling tells you "don't do it", but the characters did it anyway. I just want to scream! I had to put the book down and walk away 😅. Blowing off some steam with GR friend who already read it seems to help (Thank you Brent!). So in a sense I felt it was unbelievable that Alpha operatives who are the best of best would do these stooopid mistakes.
I continue to love the character and Steele's new "keeper" won me over half way through the book. High body count. Is it avoidable when terrorists are on US soil ready to blow things up? That ending though...what a teaser. Of course I can't wait to read the next one. I can only hope that Sean Parnell already wrote book 4. 🤞
September 23, 2020
In between big epic fantasy and sci fi books I always look for fast paced thrillers to act as a pallette cleanser. Sometimes it's just nice to read a good old shoot em up that isn't 25 plus hours long.
This book in the Eric Steele series by Sean Parnell fits that bill quite nicely. I've read everything Parnell has written. While his non-fiction, Outlaw Platoon, about his experience in Afghanistan is a non-fiction masterpiece his fiction is more popcorn entertainment but delivers in that regard. I think this is probably the weakest if the 3 Steele books, but the reason you read these, the action, is still executed at a high level here. There is one action sequence in particular that I thought "Wow I'd love to see that on screen." It may be over the top and not always realistic, but that's a tradeoff I'm willing to make.
My criticisms generally revolve around some plot choices that are hard to discuss without spoilers. I'll just say I don't like it when an author has characters make poor choices that don't make sense for plot convenience. It happens a few times here. Also I didn't think the villain was that original or fleshed out.
I'm not sure if we will be getting another entry in this series or not. The author is currently running for Congress (I hope he wins) so that may impact the series. Ultimately I hope we do get more Eric Steele because it feels like there are some plotlines that need tying up.
This book in the Eric Steele series by Sean Parnell fits that bill quite nicely. I've read everything Parnell has written. While his non-fiction, Outlaw Platoon, about his experience in Afghanistan is a non-fiction masterpiece his fiction is more popcorn entertainment but delivers in that regard. I think this is probably the weakest if the 3 Steele books, but the reason you read these, the action, is still executed at a high level here. There is one action sequence in particular that I thought "Wow I'd love to see that on screen." It may be over the top and not always realistic, but that's a tradeoff I'm willing to make.
My criticisms generally revolve around some plot choices that are hard to discuss without spoilers. I'll just say I don't like it when an author has characters make poor choices that don't make sense for plot convenience. It happens a few times here. Also I didn't think the villain was that original or fleshed out.
I'm not sure if we will be getting another entry in this series or not. The author is currently running for Congress (I hope he wins) so that may impact the series. Ultimately I hope we do get more Eric Steele because it feels like there are some plotlines that need tying up.
December 31, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
Eric Steele is a super soldier, working for the usual off the books kill squad.
After the usual lead-in mission, we get the plot where someone is killing off the members of the squad. There's a mole...or is there?
Steele is after the assassin, and takes time out to storm a Russian prison to learn about his missing father.
Not in the top tier of such thrillers, but well worth a read.
Eric Steele is a super soldier, working for the usual off the books kill squad.
After the usual lead-in mission, we get the plot where someone is killing off the members of the squad. There's a mole...or is there?
Steele is after the assassin, and takes time out to storm a Russian prison to learn about his missing father.
Not in the top tier of such thrillers, but well worth a read.
February 14, 2021
I just love Sean Parnell and his Eric Steele series. This non-stop adrenaline rush is my third book of the series, and it just seems to get better and better. True to his name, Steele is indestructible, both physically and emotionally � except when it comes to his parents. In “One True Patriot,� Steele comes against a lethal assassin who is methodically eliminating the Program’s Alpha operatives. And he has to deal with a traitor from inside the Program. Yes, the body count is high, but so is the excitement. The narrative mentions several real heads of state.
Parnell reveals his sense of humor in the book. Instead of Madame LaFarge and Betsy Ross, we have Madame LaBarge and Betsy Roth. And what about Fanny Maeford?
Parnell reveals his sense of humor in the book. Instead of Madame LaFarge and Betsy Ross, we have Madame LaBarge and Betsy Roth. And what about Fanny Maeford?
October 18, 2022
An agent for a super secret kill group is out for trouble when someone is killing the members of his group despite all the security.
Not bad.
Not bad.
September 29, 2020
Sean Parnell once again shows that he is one of the best thriller writers in the business. This book is a relentless thriller from start to finish and I cannot recommend this book enough. Reminiscent of Brad Taylor and Brad Thor. If you enjoy those authors, you will love Sean Parnell's Eric Steele series! Cannot wait for #4 in the series!
February 15, 2021
My rating for this is more like a 3 1/2, something more than liked it, but a little less than really liked it. The action is good and Eric Steele is a decent lead character. Now I have to go back and read the first two books in the series.
August 14, 2020
I won an ARC of this book through NetGalley, in return for an honest review.
I will start by saying that I also won the second book in this series. All of them have been excellent! Eric Steele is a true hero, but he has his flaws and isn’t perfect. Sean Parnell writes a fast paced thriller with lots of action and a plot line that keeps you guessing until the last few chapters.
In this installment the Program is being eliminated from the outside and the inside. Operators are being killed and Steele has to find out who is behind it and stop them. Then last few chapters roll along with a few lighthearted moments to relieve the tension. Overall another excellent thriller from Sean Parnell!
I will start by saying that I also won the second book in this series. All of them have been excellent! Eric Steele is a true hero, but he has his flaws and isn’t perfect. Sean Parnell writes a fast paced thriller with lots of action and a plot line that keeps you guessing until the last few chapters.
In this installment the Program is being eliminated from the outside and the inside. Operators are being killed and Steele has to find out who is behind it and stop them. Then last few chapters roll along with a few lighthearted moments to relieve the tension. Overall another excellent thriller from Sean Parnell!
September 27, 2020
Eric Steele is one of the top singleton operators in the Program. However, over the past two books Steele has had his faith in what he knows questioned, and all but destroyed. This third installment is no different!
When a loan assassin starts a killing streak through the Program, Steele is tasked to stop them. With Steele’s moral going down hill, he will have to put his trust in new blood in the Program.
This read is fast paced, and Sean Parnell’s writing is deeply personal. The reader is left with a gapping hole in their heart through the read. I highly recommend this read and this entire series!
When a loan assassin starts a killing streak through the Program, Steele is tasked to stop them. With Steele’s moral going down hill, he will have to put his trust in new blood in the Program.
This read is fast paced, and Sean Parnell’s writing is deeply personal. The reader is left with a gapping hole in their heart through the read. I highly recommend this read and this entire series!
August 27, 2020
I have read One True Patriot by Sean Parnell and I must say I really like to follow what will happen to Eric Steele in his pursuit to keep his country safe. This time we get to know more about what happened to his father and also how easy it can be to hurt a secret program, we have to remember that humans are easy to threat and manipulate. I really like the books from this author and are grateful to #WilliamMorrow #HarperCollins and #Edelweiss for giving me this arc to read and enjoy.
September 15, 2020
I enjoy all of Parnell's books and this was no different. The ending seemed a little rushed... Wish the ending had as much detail as the beginning. That being said, I'll suggest this book to everyone I talk to.
December 6, 2021
Sean Parnell sure knows his weapons and action sequences.
This third book in his Eric Steele series explodes of the page with almost a constant stream of action, so much action that the brief respites feel like a drag on the plot, but its really an illusion as each slight lull leads to the next scene.
As in many of these special forces action novels, there seems to always be a mole who has betrayed the warriors, and this novel is no exception.
This book is top notch action thriller.
I am not ignoring the author's real world issues, nor am I condoning them, but that story still has parts to be told. May be new information will arise. In addition, many people have overcome their pasts and been redeemed. No one is dismissing anything here or applauding violence against women or children.
The book however stands on its own and is worth reading.
This third book in his Eric Steele series explodes of the page with almost a constant stream of action, so much action that the brief respites feel like a drag on the plot, but its really an illusion as each slight lull leads to the next scene.
As in many of these special forces action novels, there seems to always be a mole who has betrayed the warriors, and this novel is no exception.
This book is top notch action thriller.
I am not ignoring the author's real world issues, nor am I condoning them, but that story still has parts to be told. May be new information will arise. In addition, many people have overcome their pasts and been redeemed. No one is dismissing anything here or applauding violence against women or children.
The book however stands on its own and is worth reading.
September 9, 2020
Okay - I have to admit that I like most of the thrillers that I read ... A LOT! But I was stunned on how good ONE TRUE PATRIOT by Sean Parnell is. If you are a big fan of protagonists like Pike Logan (Brad Taylor), Mitch Rapp (Vince Flynn/Kyle Mills) and/or Dewey Andreas (Ben Coes), then will LOVE the latest Eric Steele thriller. Parnell has come out with his best by far in One True Patriot and thriller readers everywhere will find it hard to put down (it was a 24 hours for me ... I did have to sleep).
Am cheering for Sean Parnell to get elected to Congress but am also hoping that we will see Eric Steele #4 very soon!!
Am cheering for Sean Parnell to get elected to Congress but am also hoping that we will see Eric Steele #4 very soon!!
August 29, 2021
Top secret, highly classified and extremely intense fictional read with a staggering death count.
September 13, 2020
4.5 stars
Let me start by saying that this is one of my favorite genres, but I am extremely particular or maybe the better word is that I have my favorite authors and MC's (heroes) and it is not so easy to get on that list. Having read EVERY book with Mitch Rapp, John Rain, John Wells, the Gray Man (Court Gentry), Gabriel Allon, Scot Harvath, Pike Logan, Dewey Andreas, Jonathan Grave and Jericho Quinn - I feel I've earned that right. I'm sure I forgot a couple - but I LOVE these guys - faults and all.
I was impressed by the first two books introducing Eric Steele. If I remember correctly (it has been a while since I read the first 2 books) but I liked the writing, I liked the character, but I had a bit of a challenge with the outright believability factor with some of the situations he found himself in - AND somehow got out of alive. Now, don't get me wrong, in this genre we, the reader, know going in that we are going to have to understand that we are putting some aspect of believability on the shelf as we read these books - and I have no problem of that. But, attacking a Russian prison in the middle of Siberia all by himself and expecting to make it out alive - like I said - it's exciting, but it can pull you out of the story. But, it did keep you on your toes.....
What keeps me reading though, is the quality of the writing. I like the plots, I like the action scenes and it is fairly obvious that the author is well versed in the things that he needs to be to write these books in a manner that seems credible. The characters -well, Steele at least - is a typical type A Tier 1 operator who bucks the system but feels pressure (or guilt) that he cannot save everyone. But, we have learned that he is a REALLY good guy - that makes him worthy of our admiration.
This book, I will admit, me irritated me several times. I'm going back and forth on whether or not that is a good thing. Good - that the author can make me feel frustrated. Bad - because he made me frustrated :) Without spoilers, let me say it just seemed a bit too easy that the things that happened to 3 of these Top Tier agents were able to happen so easily. I mean seriously? That would have had to be quite a bit of intel to give out to know the predilections of these agents when they were off on TDY, but I digress. No spoilers, right?
The ending of the book made up for it, but I will admit I would have liked more info in the epilogue of exactly what was told in the letter and the impact that had for the team. That was quite a betrayal.
But, the book sets up the fact that the story is not yet over for Eric Steele and I will definitely be continuing onward to see what is going to happen next - both for The Program, and for Eric personally. Oh, forgot to say - I listened to most of this on Audible and had absolutely no problems with the narrator.
Let me start by saying that this is one of my favorite genres, but I am extremely particular or maybe the better word is that I have my favorite authors and MC's (heroes) and it is not so easy to get on that list. Having read EVERY book with Mitch Rapp, John Rain, John Wells, the Gray Man (Court Gentry), Gabriel Allon, Scot Harvath, Pike Logan, Dewey Andreas, Jonathan Grave and Jericho Quinn - I feel I've earned that right. I'm sure I forgot a couple - but I LOVE these guys - faults and all.
I was impressed by the first two books introducing Eric Steele. If I remember correctly (it has been a while since I read the first 2 books) but I liked the writing, I liked the character, but I had a bit of a challenge with the outright believability factor with some of the situations he found himself in - AND somehow got out of alive. Now, don't get me wrong, in this genre we, the reader, know going in that we are going to have to understand that we are putting some aspect of believability on the shelf as we read these books - and I have no problem of that. But, attacking a Russian prison in the middle of Siberia all by himself and expecting to make it out alive - like I said - it's exciting, but it can pull you out of the story. But, it did keep you on your toes.....
What keeps me reading though, is the quality of the writing. I like the plots, I like the action scenes and it is fairly obvious that the author is well versed in the things that he needs to be to write these books in a manner that seems credible. The characters -well, Steele at least - is a typical type A Tier 1 operator who bucks the system but feels pressure (or guilt) that he cannot save everyone. But, we have learned that he is a REALLY good guy - that makes him worthy of our admiration.
This book, I will admit, me irritated me several times. I'm going back and forth on whether or not that is a good thing. Good - that the author can make me feel frustrated. Bad - because he made me frustrated :) Without spoilers, let me say it just seemed a bit too easy that the things that happened to 3 of these Top Tier agents were able to happen so easily. I mean seriously? That would have had to be quite a bit of intel to give out to know the predilections of these agents when they were off on TDY, but I digress. No spoilers, right?
The ending of the book made up for it, but I will admit I would have liked more info in the epilogue of exactly what was told in the letter and the impact that had for the team. That was quite a betrayal.
But, the book sets up the fact that the story is not yet over for Eric Steele and I will definitely be continuing onward to see what is going to happen next - both for The Program, and for Eric personally. Oh, forgot to say - I listened to most of this on Audible and had absolutely no problems with the narrator.
November 8, 2020
Thanks to netgalley.com and William Morrow for the advance copy for my honest review.
This was my first read from the author Sean Parnell but he imploded a decent beginning with a chameleon assassin that can do anything she wants, you have highly trained alpha's from a top secret government unit, who the President controls, getting killed and while doing thing's that are unbelievable or plausible.
You have highly trained operatives, they'd be like the NBA players, they would have male or female partners they could hook up with in every country, without going to clubs or go looking to have their ashes hauled.
He does hook you in, it's good enough too finish, will keep reading his Eric Steele series and it'll be a in between read of some of the other action/adventure genre author's I like. He needs to read D.V. Berkom, so he can learn how to have a real badass character, even if she's a bad villain and not have a fake one like he made Lila Kalidi out to be.
Since it just isn't plausible what she's able to do, no details on how she's able to do everything she does in 'One True Patriot' and would have been better too have the storyline switch to her with some explanation on what she's plotting to do.
It reads like it's a movie, that's made for Tom Cruise especially with it's Mission Impossible scenes and Lord knows we don't need another movie franchise where he ruins another fictional character like he's done with the Jack Reacher movies.
Plus surprised he gave away who the traitor was, happens long before you learn who it is but not going to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read this one yet, with who it is and will give you a hint. It happens in a meeting!!
This was my first read from the author Sean Parnell but he imploded a decent beginning with a chameleon assassin that can do anything she wants, you have highly trained alpha's from a top secret government unit, who the President controls, getting killed and while doing thing's that are unbelievable or plausible.
You have highly trained operatives, they'd be like the NBA players, they would have male or female partners they could hook up with in every country, without going to clubs or go looking to have their ashes hauled.
He does hook you in, it's good enough too finish, will keep reading his Eric Steele series and it'll be a in between read of some of the other action/adventure genre author's I like. He needs to read D.V. Berkom, so he can learn how to have a real badass character, even if she's a bad villain and not have a fake one like he made Lila Kalidi out to be.
Since it just isn't plausible what she's able to do, no details on how she's able to do everything she does in 'One True Patriot' and would have been better too have the storyline switch to her with some explanation on what she's plotting to do.
It reads like it's a movie, that's made for Tom Cruise especially with it's Mission Impossible scenes and Lord knows we don't need another movie franchise where he ruins another fictional character like he's done with the Jack Reacher movies.
Plus surprised he gave away who the traitor was, happens long before you learn who it is but not going to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read this one yet, with who it is and will give you a hint. It happens in a meeting!!
September 9, 2020
Another fantastic entry in the incredibly thrilling Eric Steele series by retired warfighter Sean Parnell. For me, this is one of those series-books that I find myself looking forward to, so much so that I always put the release date on my calendar upon finishing each installment. From the first book in the series, which IMO is still the best (so far), I fell in love with the Eric Steele character, who is an all around badass, stud/kickass operator and holds water with the best in the genre.
This book starts out with a seriously badass action sequence/mission; though I must say, something I noticed about this book in the series is that the action/fight/mission scenes we're a bit over the top/excessively unbelievable....so much so that it nearly gave the feeling of it being outlandish and a bit ridiculous. Which is a bit surprising being that the author is himself a former soldier, and surely knows just how far fetched some of the sequences are. I get that we're supposed to be suspending disbelief with this genre, but only to a certain degree.
What follows is an altogether exciting and impressive plot that the author does a superb job of tying together and wrapping up in a decent climax by the end. One thing for sure is that this book laid the ground work for the next, and more to follow, in the series, so at least thats a good thing. While it wasn't his best, it was still a pretty good read, and ill remain a fan.
This book starts out with a seriously badass action sequence/mission; though I must say, something I noticed about this book in the series is that the action/fight/mission scenes we're a bit over the top/excessively unbelievable....so much so that it nearly gave the feeling of it being outlandish and a bit ridiculous. Which is a bit surprising being that the author is himself a former soldier, and surely knows just how far fetched some of the sequences are. I get that we're supposed to be suspending disbelief with this genre, but only to a certain degree.
What follows is an altogether exciting and impressive plot that the author does a superb job of tying together and wrapping up in a decent climax by the end. One thing for sure is that this book laid the ground work for the next, and more to follow, in the series, so at least thats a good thing. While it wasn't his best, it was still a pretty good read, and ill remain a fan.
December 28, 2021
I use ratings to decide which books I am going to buy, and I recently decided I am partially responsible for inflating the ratings on books. Either they were 5 star or 1 star. I decided to use the star rating more objectively as follows:
★★★★� Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★� Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆� OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆� Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆� Lousy. I didn’t finish.
★★★★� Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★� Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆� OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆� Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆� Lousy. I didn’t finish.
September 29, 2023
Wow. Parnell just keeps getting better. His thriller line is turning out to be the perfect harmony between getting the reader hooked and legitimate improvement in storyline. Each book in this series has been better, more exciting and more surprising than the last. I truly believe that Parnell has set himself up for a seriously successful long term franchise and I look forward to the books to come! Also, I finished this book in just under 3 days, it was just too good to stop!
October 22, 2021
Not my typical genre of book to choose. Interesting to get into and then do some research of my own about places and the departments of the government and who works with who. Exciting thrill ride and worth the read for sure.
September 3, 2020
One True Patriot opens with a terrific chapter: Eric Steele, an Alpha in the so-super-secret-it-doesn't-exist Program has done a HAHO (high altitude, high opening) parachute into Syria to off some terrorist baddies.
This is the third book in a series, and in this one, someone is killing off Alphas, and taking an ear off the corpse as some kind of souvenir. There are things I have questions about in this book.
First, this Program of alpha killers is headquartered in the White House. Although they have to move in this book, situating this at the White House seems rather odd, especially when it appears they are near the West Wing. I'm not sue I'm buying this.
Like any other book in this genre, they apparently have access to passports, credit cars, documents, and cash, plus someone on the other end of wherever they go (like Paris) to provide them with weapons. This is fine - I expect it in the genre.
What I don't expect is when SpecOps people get themselves killed because they forget, for some reason, that they are SpecOps with enemies everywhere. The first Alpha killed, sure. They didn't know anyone was specifically hunting them, or even that they existed, after all. But the second kill - and the lone female Alpha -has let her guard down because she received a text message that the assassin was dead. I'd think it would have been a good idea to confirm it with HQ, but alas for her, she did not. It also takes them a tad too long to figure out that there's no way the assassin could know how many Alphas there are without some inside information.
The Program, having been hit by Russian hackers and this mysterious assassin, pulls everyone in and basically closes up shop. Steele, of course, charges off to investigate and make things right.
There's a ton of action and killing in the book, no worries about that. From the US to France, Germany, and Russia itself (in a prison, no less) and back again to the US to thwart am attack on political leaders, this book has it all.
If you're a fan of the genre, definitely read it. Even if you're not a big fan of the genre and you're casting about for something to read, you could do a lot worse.
Three stars out of five.
Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the review copy.
This is the third book in a series, and in this one, someone is killing off Alphas, and taking an ear off the corpse as some kind of souvenir. There are things I have questions about in this book.
First, this Program of alpha killers is headquartered in the White House. Although they have to move in this book, situating this at the White House seems rather odd, especially when it appears they are near the West Wing. I'm not sue I'm buying this.
Like any other book in this genre, they apparently have access to passports, credit cars, documents, and cash, plus someone on the other end of wherever they go (like Paris) to provide them with weapons. This is fine - I expect it in the genre.
What I don't expect is when SpecOps people get themselves killed because they forget, for some reason, that they are SpecOps with enemies everywhere. The first Alpha killed, sure. They didn't know anyone was specifically hunting them, or even that they existed, after all. But the second kill - and the lone female Alpha -has let her guard down because she received a text message that the assassin was dead. I'd think it would have been a good idea to confirm it with HQ, but alas for her, she did not. It also takes them a tad too long to figure out that there's no way the assassin could know how many Alphas there are without some inside information.
The Program, having been hit by Russian hackers and this mysterious assassin, pulls everyone in and basically closes up shop. Steele, of course, charges off to investigate and make things right.
There's a ton of action and killing in the book, no worries about that. From the US to France, Germany, and Russia itself (in a prison, no less) and back again to the US to thwart am attack on political leaders, this book has it all.
If you're a fan of the genre, definitely read it. Even if you're not a big fan of the genre and you're casting about for something to read, you could do a lot worse.
Three stars out of five.
Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the review copy.
November 21, 2024
Another fun filled thriller from Mr Parnell. Several events lead the folks in the Program to believe there's a rat in the henhouse, spilling secrets.
March 15, 2021
A fun read. Writing a little rough but who cares, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Not a book I would recommend to students on a professional level but definitely would recommend to my older students just for the pleasure of reading a good story,
August 31, 2021
Completely disposable. The story, the book, the memory after reading.
The best I can say is that it's an easy read. . . both simple and simplistic. If your a fan of straight up "hero vs. evil man alone prevailing against an unbeatable foe", then enjoy this one.
However, overall it's poor quality work. Like SO many books being churned out in this genre, One True Patriot suffers from some consistent and common weak spots:
Unstoppable hero - shoot him, stab him, beat him: not a problem, he's back on his feet the next day in top form.
Unlimited resources by everyone involved on both sides - let's globe hop daily, steal an airplane as needed, then have vast resourced drop in at the last moment to save the day.
Thin and shallow character development.
A pace that makes no sense, when comparing the geographic logistics in the story to the physical mechanics of the real world.
I didn't hate it (I've read much worse work), but I didn't particularly enjoy it and was glad to close the last page and toss this one back into the box for the used book store.
The best I can say is that it's an easy read. . . both simple and simplistic. If your a fan of straight up "hero vs. evil man alone prevailing against an unbeatable foe", then enjoy this one.
However, overall it's poor quality work. Like SO many books being churned out in this genre, One True Patriot suffers from some consistent and common weak spots:
Unstoppable hero - shoot him, stab him, beat him: not a problem, he's back on his feet the next day in top form.
Unlimited resources by everyone involved on both sides - let's globe hop daily, steal an airplane as needed, then have vast resourced drop in at the last moment to save the day.
Thin and shallow character development.
A pace that makes no sense, when comparing the geographic logistics in the story to the physical mechanics of the real world.
I didn't hate it (I've read much worse work), but I didn't particularly enjoy it and was glad to close the last page and toss this one back into the box for the used book store.
August 22, 2020
This book truly lives up to an action packed suspense thriller. You may not want to start reading this one near bedtime or you can expect to be awake much longer than you planned. There's no stopping place, just a moment of trying to catch your breath after getting caught up and worn thin from all the action. Expect some violent and brutal scenes, but all have a purpose in weaving the story together. If you're looking for an easy read with happy scenes this one may not be for you. If you are interested in getting caught up, hyped, and are not shy of suspense that won't let you put the book down or sleep soundly, you will enjoy the experiences of One True Patriot.
December 31, 2020
A great read to finish the year with in 2020. Intrigue and mystery along with a full dose of patriotism. Eric Steele is a great character and I can’t wait for the next installment.... maybe we can call it Fore Fathers. 🤔
January 6, 2021
Excellent, maintains action throughout.
October 6, 2020
This was an easy read. I don't necessary agree with the way the Author wrote some scenes or the way things unfolded. I don't want to spoil anything, but I don't think the last fight would have played out in real life. It also was just too "easy" for one lone wolf to take out the Top Dogs in the espionage field. I do like the characters and will give the other 2 books before a chance. If they don't have the same flaws as this one. The rest of my critique is more about choices the author made in writing.
One thing about these types of books that is hard to write, is how much detail do you add to a book. It's hard to find the line between too little and too much. For the most part the author struck a good balance and I liked that he wrote out the full word of the abbreviations, that is often used in these types of books. He just did it once and you remembered it. There was a few times I felt he just divulged information that I felt wasn't really needed or just too much.
Steel walked to the Main Command building in the first few chapters and there was at least a paragraph describing what he wore and why he wore it. It took up half a page, when he literally was just walking to work for a check in. Nothing happened, he wasn't gearing up for a mission or on a mission.
There were a few times that the Author divulged information about what was going to happen just a few sentences before they did. I did not like it, because that info was not needed and I think it took away from the scene. There was no surprises because the author told you about it.
In chapter four, I think that kind of spoiled things, even though we knew who she was.
Which brings up another thing in that same chapter. We start with POV of an Alpha, then it switches in a few paragraphs revealing who the woman was, which makes it seem like the Alpha knew who she was. Because we started with the Alpha's POV and the way it was written, my first thought was he learned that information about her. I thought the identity of the woman, should have been revealed at the end of the that chapter, . It just broke the suspense of that whole chapter. I did have a feeling, the woman was no good, when the chapter first started, but at the end, there was no surprises because we were told that info beforehand.
That type of thing, happened one more time. Where I thought, Why reveal something is about to happened? One sentenced was thrown in that revealed who was about to enter a room. Then there was a paragraph of two describing the scene and than you have the person walk into the room, which was a reveal for Steel, but not the readers, because you already told us.
I just didn't understand why you told us in one sentence what was going to happen. When in just a few moments, you write out the scene to show us.
I found one error, with wrong word choice where they put wound, instead of round. I assume that has already been reported and has no baring on my rating.
I won a free copy in a giveaway. I did enjoy the book and the characters. It was an easy read and had a good amount of action scenes. It would be a good book to read for somebody who likes these type of espionage books and is looking for something simple to read.
One thing about these types of books that is hard to write, is how much detail do you add to a book. It's hard to find the line between too little and too much. For the most part the author struck a good balance and I liked that he wrote out the full word of the abbreviations, that is often used in these types of books. He just did it once and you remembered it. There was a few times I felt he just divulged information that I felt wasn't really needed or just too much.
Steel walked to the Main Command building in the first few chapters and there was at least a paragraph describing what he wore and why he wore it. It took up half a page, when he literally was just walking to work for a check in. Nothing happened, he wasn't gearing up for a mission or on a mission.
There were a few times that the Author divulged information about what was going to happen just a few sentences before they did. I did not like it, because that info was not needed and I think it took away from the scene. There was no surprises because the author told you about it.
In chapter four, I think that kind of spoiled things, even though we knew who she was.
Which brings up another thing in that same chapter. We start with POV of an Alpha, then it switches in a few paragraphs revealing who the woman was, which makes it seem like the Alpha knew who she was. Because we started with the Alpha's POV and the way it was written, my first thought was he learned that information about her. I thought the identity of the woman, should have been revealed at the end of the that chapter, . It just broke the suspense of that whole chapter. I did have a feeling, the woman was no good, when the chapter first started, but at the end, there was no surprises because we were told that info beforehand.
That type of thing, happened one more time. Where I thought, Why reveal something is about to happened? One sentenced was thrown in that revealed who was about to enter a room. Then there was a paragraph of two describing the scene and than you have the person walk into the room, which was a reveal for Steel, but not the readers, because you already told us.
I just didn't understand why you told us in one sentence what was going to happen. When in just a few moments, you write out the scene to show us.
I found one error, with wrong word choice where they put wound, instead of round. I assume that has already been reported and has no baring on my rating.
I won a free copy in a giveaway. I did enjoy the book and the characters. It was an easy read and had a good amount of action scenes. It would be a good book to read for somebody who likes these type of espionage books and is looking for something simple to read.
September 18, 2021
Fourth book from this author, 3rd of the series featuring Eric Steele, but not not a very good one. I feel bad about panning action thrillers, I like the genre.
Like a mythical half man-half beast, I like the idea of a book being both nonfiction and fiction, the two states of being mingling & intermingling to produce something fun to read and perhaps substitute for vicarious experience, just to enliven the otherwise boring tedium of real existence and because I don’t get out much.
Who here can honestly stand up and say that he or she doesn’t hope for something exciting, interesting and believable in a novel? Does literature have to be heavy, dull and lugubrious?
Of course not. But it has to be able to stand on its own two feet and look you straight in the eye.
Why? Because while the author obviously goes all out to fill each page with YIN of action, he forgets the YANG of suspense.
When every woman is a cross between Scarlett Johansson, Lara Croft, Mata Hari and the deadliest of black widow spiders, it creates a vortex that verisimilitude gets lost in. When it is difficult to distinguish one male character from another. The characters just seem degenerate into contrivances to push the plot along.
Although, the author’s non-fiction Outlaw Platoon was excellent, and the the other action novels of this series were fun, this one shoots blanks, I’m spite of containing a few exciting, action-filled scenes.
Even in pulp action stories, I like character development but I can certainly tolerate a little superficial, evanescent and weak characterisation as the cost of getting swept along in a great story.
In One True Patriot , characters are just cardboard pawns playing against the clock. The writing is also a little stilted, The usual genre tricks and stereotypes of the trade are used to good effect.the use of Name brands abound, truth, liberty and the American Way are staunchly defended…but, but…it just doesn’t work. Sorry, it just doesn’t.
A sort of Chinese takeaway of a book, after you finish it, you’re gonna be hungry in a few hours for something more substantial.
Like a mythical half man-half beast, I like the idea of a book being both nonfiction and fiction, the two states of being mingling & intermingling to produce something fun to read and perhaps substitute for vicarious experience, just to enliven the otherwise boring tedium of real existence and because I don’t get out much.
Who here can honestly stand up and say that he or she doesn’t hope for something exciting, interesting and believable in a novel? Does literature have to be heavy, dull and lugubrious?
Of course not. But it has to be able to stand on its own two feet and look you straight in the eye.
Why? Because while the author obviously goes all out to fill each page with YIN of action, he forgets the YANG of suspense.
When every woman is a cross between Scarlett Johansson, Lara Croft, Mata Hari and the deadliest of black widow spiders, it creates a vortex that verisimilitude gets lost in. When it is difficult to distinguish one male character from another. The characters just seem degenerate into contrivances to push the plot along.
Although, the author’s non-fiction Outlaw Platoon was excellent, and the the other action novels of this series were fun, this one shoots blanks, I’m spite of containing a few exciting, action-filled scenes.
Even in pulp action stories, I like character development but I can certainly tolerate a little superficial, evanescent and weak characterisation as the cost of getting swept along in a great story.
In One True Patriot , characters are just cardboard pawns playing against the clock. The writing is also a little stilted, The usual genre tricks and stereotypes of the trade are used to good effect.the use of Name brands abound, truth, liberty and the American Way are staunchly defended…but, but…it just doesn’t work. Sorry, it just doesn’t.
A sort of Chinese takeaway of a book, after you finish it, you’re gonna be hungry in a few hours for something more substantial.
February 7, 2022
Full of hair-raising adventures and featuring all-American bravado, evil Russians, Chechen Muslims, Palestinians, Spanish Jihadis, and an American on the wrong side, ONE TRUE PATRIOT is a fast moving, rip-roaring novel that leaves the reader nearly breathless .
Sean Parnell has written a novel that only a retired Army infantry captain who took part in some of the heaviest combat of the Afghan War could write with such passion and knowledge. It is his 2nd Eric Steele novel and my 2nd Parnell novel. I found it difficult to put down.
Eric Steele, the main character, is a member of an elite group of men & women who are Alphas in a group called the Program. This is a group of highly trained individuals conducting secret missions under the direction of the President of the US.
This small group of special men & women conducted numerous actions against enemies of the US. In one instance Steele & others were working out of a Forward Operating Base in an Afghan valley when they were attacked by Taliban forces. Steele's Sergeant Major, bleeding out, ordered him to take their wounded Captain and return to the base. Steele carried the Captain on his shoulder and managed to kill a number of the enemy on his way back to safety. "On that day in Afghanistan, Eric Steele discovered that his body was a machine wholly governed by his mind. He erased the pain and walked with the full deadweight of his unconscious captain bouncing on his shoulders and crushing his neck and spine and refused to allow any construct of human biology to hinder his mission in any way." He walked almost 40 miles until an American helicopter found them.
This incident was just one of a great many that Eric Steele faced. And this incident was just background to the plot of ONE TRUE PATRIOT.
The story itself deals with a female killer who was attempting to eliminate the Alpha members of the Program, one by one. Eric Steele then hunts this woman around the world as one Alpha after another are assassinated.
One True Patriot provides all the action, patriotism, and heroism any reader could wish for...and is told in the most realistic of ways.
Sean Parnell has written a novel that only a retired Army infantry captain who took part in some of the heaviest combat of the Afghan War could write with such passion and knowledge. It is his 2nd Eric Steele novel and my 2nd Parnell novel. I found it difficult to put down.
Eric Steele, the main character, is a member of an elite group of men & women who are Alphas in a group called the Program. This is a group of highly trained individuals conducting secret missions under the direction of the President of the US.
This small group of special men & women conducted numerous actions against enemies of the US. In one instance Steele & others were working out of a Forward Operating Base in an Afghan valley when they were attacked by Taliban forces. Steele's Sergeant Major, bleeding out, ordered him to take their wounded Captain and return to the base. Steele carried the Captain on his shoulder and managed to kill a number of the enemy on his way back to safety. "On that day in Afghanistan, Eric Steele discovered that his body was a machine wholly governed by his mind. He erased the pain and walked with the full deadweight of his unconscious captain bouncing on his shoulders and crushing his neck and spine and refused to allow any construct of human biology to hinder his mission in any way." He walked almost 40 miles until an American helicopter found them.
This incident was just one of a great many that Eric Steele faced. And this incident was just background to the plot of ONE TRUE PATRIOT.
The story itself deals with a female killer who was attempting to eliminate the Alpha members of the Program, one by one. Eric Steele then hunts this woman around the world as one Alpha after another are assassinated.
One True Patriot provides all the action, patriotism, and heroism any reader could wish for...and is told in the most realistic of ways.
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