- Paperback: 288 pages
- Publisher: Little, Brown & Company (3 April 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0316861480
- ISBN-13: 978-0316861489
- Product Dimensions: 23.2 x 15.6 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 5,121,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Hostage
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More About the Author
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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format: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..!
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format: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!
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!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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 Boat Service operative with a mean reputation. Throughout the book he stops at nothing to complete his goal providing the main element of action within the book.
With Falconer's background placed firmly in the army the book is very realistic in terms of operations and straagies employed by the character. This coupled with a great story plot provides an excellent read. The author's attention to detail also adds to the quality of the book. Small details of background show well developed characters which could fill a book on its whole. Sub plots within the main one also provide interesting twists and turns in the story line which enhance the book and make it a whoely more interesting read.
The only drawback to this book lies inbetween the action. The attention to detail can sometimes become slightly tedious especially in the heart of the action. However, this is infrequent.
Overall this book is very good. It is a mixture of Andy McNab's detailed operative stratagies and Chris Ryan's action providing a firm basis for an excellent book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Brilliant!!
This book has to be one of the best books I've ever read its a definite must have if you like action Millitary or anything to do with special forces
Published 1 month ago by josh
The Hostage wow
What a fantastic read,now I`ve finished it maybe I can get a good night`s
sleep.
I definitely recommend this book, looking forward to more stratton books
sleep.
I definitely recommend this book, looking forward to more stratton books
Published 2 months ago by D. Mowvley
Duncan Falconer - The Hostage
The book was in great condition and arrived on time. The book itself is also really good if it's something you normally read, love the Johnny Stratton books :)
Published 3 months ago by -AAhmad
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 11 months ago by aggiev
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 11 months ago by S. D. Knight
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
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 Falconer... Read more
Published on 3 April 2008 by Sarah Gooding
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
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
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
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