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(3.04) - 473 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
For the visitors to Wilsonville, the largest theme park in the world, the day began with a smile. By the end, they wonder-will they be able to escape with their lives?
Retired Delta Force operator, Master Sergeant Jonathan "Jad" Bell, is Wilsonville's lead undercover security officer. The threat begins with the announcement of a hidden dirty bomb, but quickly becomes something far, far worse.
Trained since the age of seventeen to save innocent victims from impossible hostage situations, Jad scrambles to assess the threat and protect the visitors. He will come face to face with a villain whose training matches his in every way-and presents a threat Jad may not be able to stop.
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"This book reminded me of a Lee Child's type action story but with more technical detail and better character development. Another reviewer referenced Die Hard which I found to be an apt comparison except Jad Bell has a team. In future novels it would be awesome to have some more development of the team members. All in all a rollercoaster ride of an action novel superbly crafted. I look forward to the next book in the series."
— Abbey (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Pulse-pounding…Rucka mixes suspense and an alarmingly realistic plot with ease.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Alpha is hands down, the most exciting, adrenaline-pumping, butt-kicking novel I’ve read in years. Rucka is the real deal. If this one doesn’t make you stay up late rooting for the good guys, you don’t have a heartbeat. Highly recommended!”
— Christopher Reich, New York Times bestselling author of Rules of Deception and Numbered Account -
“A smashing start…pitch-perfect…This lean, mean thriller with just the right amount of character development and unexpected complications will appeal to all who enjoy this genre but particularly to readers who like a strong hero along the lines of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher. Highly recommended.”
— Library Journal (starred review) -
“An interesting setting, a liable hero, an appropriately clever villain, and a gripping story. A real corker.”
— Booklist
Alpha Listener Reviews
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" Die Hard in Disneyland sounds about right. Enjoyed Greg Rucka's Batman: No Man's Land and decided to give this novel a chance. Glad I did. "
— Jovany, 1/30/2014 -
" Really couldn't put this one down easily. Superquick summer read about a sleeper cell/terrorist plot at a themepark. "
— Craig, 1/30/2014 -
" It's like a Tom Clancy book where you can actually follow all the characters. Sharp writing, good plot twists, and a satisfying ending. "
— Doug, 1/29/2014 -
" A fun thriller that takes a fairly straight-ahead premise ("Die Hard" in an amusement park) and runs pretty nice with its multiple perspectives on the incident, with Rucka doing especially well when it comes time for action. My only complaint is that for a novel, it feels a lot like the start of a new comic series, with more concern in establishing a villain for future entries than providing motivation for this one, and a fairly generic supporting cast to go with Jad Bell. "
— Jason, 1/25/2014 -
" This is actually one of my favorite action/spy books. The action is fast and fluid, but the author does a great job of mixing in depth to the characters, and showing us why/how they work. It doesn't try to do too much, and the result is a great novel with lots of promise for a popular franchise. "
— Chris, 1/20/2014 -
" Loved it! Think "Die Hard" in a theme park - that is a compliment - & it's more than just that. Ex-Delta Force member Jad Bell is a character I'm looking forward to reading more about in future novels. "
— Ru, 1/17/2014 -
" Page turner, I couldn't put it down! "
— Sonia, 11/30/2013 -
" Great fun! Once I figured out where Rucka was headed, I was hooked. Very cinematic and unfailingly entertaining. This is only the second Rucka novel I've devoured. Many more to come. If escape and amusement is your goal, Alpha is a guaranteed thrill ride. "
— Ned, 11/9/2013 -
" Very entertaining read for sure. "
— Trung, 10/28/2013 -
" Ok book for what it is but not a memorable read. Plus, the last couple of pages have "sequel" stamped all over them! I may try another book by this author but I'm not going out of my way to find him. "
— Therese, 10/25/2013 -
" Once again Greg Rucka knocks it out the park. The character of Jad Bell won't let you down. Kicks many asses and takes many names. "
— Scott, 10/22/2013 -
" Well-written, expertly paced, taut, tense, intricately plotted, gripping action, etc., etc., etc. Couldn't be a better written thriller. And yet, I never -- not for one second -- found myself giving a rip. No idea why, but it just left me apathetic. "
— Hobart, 8/17/2013 -
" If this were the mid to late 1970s, Rucka would be Charles Bronson. While not as literate and political as his Queen and Country novels, Rucka elevates a basic "Die hard" premise into a prose action-adventure tale that is more satisfying than any cinematic attempt in the same category could ever be. "
— Beausephus, 7/2/2013 -
" Not as good as some of Rucka's Atticus Kodiak books or Tara Chace/Queen & Country novels, but another solid effort. This is the first book of a planned 3-book arc. I'll definitely be on board for the ride. "
— Randal, 6/19/2013 -
" I'm a sucker for this stuff. "
— Adam, 4/2/2013 -
" A terrific start to Rucka's new series featuring ex-Special Forces Master Sergeant Jad Bell who takes on terrorists in a California theme park. Highly recommended - four and a half stars. "
— Anne, 3/27/2013 -
" Typically fast-moving thriller for Rucka, with a new lead character. It reminds me more of his Atticus Kodiak books than the Queen and Country series, which is just what I was hoping for. "
— Jeff, 1/12/2013 -
" "Die Hard" in a mock Disneyland, if John Mclane were undercover Special Forces. Written by the awesome Greg Rucka. How could it be anything less than a blast? "
— Frank, 11/22/2012 -
" Not nearly as good as a Mitch Rapp, or Scot Harvath book, but readable and makes the USA a good guy. "
— Ben, 10/4/2012 -
" I've liked everything I've read by Greg Rucka, and I thought this one was terrific. I'm sure anyone who liked his Atticus Kodiak novels would enjoy this. "
— Mark, 9/15/2012 -
" Great introduction to the Bell character with the promise of greater stories to come. Another great Rucka novel. "
— Russell, 8/19/2012 -
" Exciting, fast-paced, couldn't put it down. The start of a great new series. "
— Jacqueline, 8/3/2012
About Greg Rucka
Greg Rucka is the New York Times bestselling author of a dozen novels, including the Atticus Kodiak and Tara Chace series, and has won multiple Eisner Awards for his graphic novels. He has also been a contributing writer for DC Comics and an active participant in the Batman series of titles. Born and raised in California, Rucka currently resides in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and children.
About Rob Shapiro
Rob Shapiro is a musician, writer, voice actor, and Earphones Award–winning narrator. He performed several seasons of radio comedy on Minneapolis Public Radio and voiced the titular lion in Leo the Lion. He is a musician and composer with his critically acclaimed band Populuxe. He is also a business consultant and software system designer.