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The Hostage [Paperback]

Duncan Falconer (Author)

4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)

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Product details

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sphere (20 Mar 2003)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0751533777
ISBN-13: 978-0751533774
Product Dimensions: 17.4 x 10.8 x 3.6 cm

Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)

Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 338,618 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

Amazon.co.uk Review

An intelligent action thriller, Hostage is the first novel by Duncan Falconer, formerly of the British Special Boat Service and British counter-intelligence in Northern Ireland. Unsurprisingly, he writes about what he knows and, more surprisingly, does so rather well.

An SBS group running surveillance and similar operations become aware that they have been betrayed when one of their number is kidnapped--the search is on for a mole. The subsequent abduction of an American officer is part of a complex plan to inflict horrific damage on London. This is defeated less by the prowess of Falconer's paragon hero than by teamwork and legwork, convincingly portrayed. Falconer has a propagandistic, but nonetheless subtle, sense of how religion and ethnicity can be used to distort loyalty. He is unusually interested in, and sympathetic to, the traitor whose identity he reveals early on so that he can explore his psychology.

This is a book that relies less than one might expect on the author's training and special knowledge, crucial to it though these are, and rather more on carefully blocked scenes of action and a degree of real thoughtfulness--villains whose absolute evil potentially renders them cardboard are given some complexity and understanding. --Roz Kaveney

Book Description

Grippingly authentic thriller debut by a former member of the elite Special Boat Services. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Customer Reviews

17 Reviews

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

Average Customer Review

4.6 out of 5 stars (17 customer reviews)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars WHY!, 24 Oct 2011

P. Jenkins "Mad for books" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hostage (Kindle Edition)

Take the pain from my side I think I have developed a feeling that this level of utter terror is not really suitable for consumption. I did like some aspects of the story however and I found it pretty fast going in terms of reading although somewhat drawn out but in a good way if you like to be kept in a state of mind where you are never quite sure what will happen next.

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Comment Comments (2)

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a debut...!, 4 Jun 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hostage (Paperback)

As an avid fan of thrillers from the likes of Stephen Leather & Gerald Seymour, I have to rate this is as possibly the best novel I have read in recent years

The story moves at a fast and enjoyable pace, without sacrificing the detail that Falconer is clearly able to provide from his experiences in the SBS and Intelligence Services

There are some extremely witty moments in amongst the first rate action. The finale is gripping and was literally a "Page turner to the end"

I genuinely can't wait for Falconer's next effort..!

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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best in a long time, 11 Jun 2003

"ckred" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hostage (Paperback)

I read this on the back of having read the Author's factual account of his life in the SBS ,which was an excellent read,
and wondered if he'd transfer to fiction as well as Mr Mcnab has . And I have to say I think he's even better (so won't be asking for my money back as the sales blurb sticker on the front says!). Reading this well plotted,paced book it seems like the bloke has been writing fiction books for years.
The plot is scary in that it is all too plausable and topical. Beats the likes of Tom "techno babble" Clancy hands down for sheer entertainment!

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› See all 17 customer reviews on Amazon.co.uk

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› Go to Amazon.com to see all 3 reviews 3.3 out of 5 stars

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars gripping
This is a well-written book that is not only a real page turner but a credible depiction of British special forces and Irish terrorists.

Published 7 months ago by aggiev

5.0 out of 5 stars The Hostage Duncan Falconer
Had run out of Andy McNab and Chris Ryan to read, so decided to give Mr Falconer a try excellent read, full of technical detail. Read more

Published 8 months ago by S. D. Knight

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for the boys!
I bought this book from a bargain bin in my local supermarket, but it is the best book I've read for ages. Read more

Published on 26 May 2009 by Angie Paul

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb read...
The Hostage was one of those novels that I picked up, started to read, and simply couldn' put down. I've read many books of this genre, and I can honestly say that Duncan... Read more

Published on 3 April 2008 by Sarah Gooding

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic book, NOT just for the blokes!!
I, too accidentally came across this author, (as the other Authors I read eg Stephen Leather, Andy McNab, had no new books available and to be honest some of there material can be... Read more

Published on 5 Oct 2007 by Ms. D. Goff

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent start
I liked the "First Into Action" and therefore gave it a try to the first novel of Duncan Falconer. With no regret I must say. The plot is great, the paste is quick. Read more

Published on 30 Aug 2005 by Rafal Gruszczynski

4.0 out of 5 stars Do Special Forces guys need to want to be killers?
"The Hostage" is Duncan Falconer's first novel and is hopefully the start of a long series of books. Read more

Published on 11 Aug 2005 by Rennie Petersen

4.0 out of 5 stars Simply a great read
What Jamie Oliver does for cooking Duncan Falconer has done for special forces fiction.

To tell the truth I have only read one of the SAS 'brat pack's' books and that was... Read more

Published on 22 Nov 2004 by nite_narc

4.0 out of 5 stars Authentic action
Ducan Falconer's debut novel 'The Hostage' combines action with authenticity in a slick way.

This story focusses around the main character 'Stratton' who is the ruthless Special... Read more

Published on 24 Jan 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars A promising debut
As a fan of Gerald Seymour and other 'heavy' writers, I was pleasantly surprised with this novel. I have a particular dislike of Andy McNab/Chris Ryan type novels, and I nearly... Read more

Published on 10 July 2003 by Winter Hathaway

› See all 17 customer reviews on Amazon.co.uk

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