Shock and Awe [Paperback]

David Isaak (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2009

Ex-special forces operative Carla Smukowski is struggling to come to terms with her brother’s murder by Islamic militants, but she’s unwilling to make peace with a world which has betrayed her. Her collaborator—and sometimes lover—is Boyce Hammond, an impoverished FBI agent who’s been undercover so long he’s forgotten where his loyalties lie. Smukowski, Hammond and their squad of American terrorists—the so-called Ethan Allen Brigade—seize a shipment of Indonesian nuclear waste, intending to make a radiological dirty bomb for an attack that will inflame the Islamic world. But just as Hammond begins to fear the group he has infiltrated might pull off their insane scheme, the stolen shipment is snatched from them by a group of extremists that are every bit as dangerous—and now America itself is the target. Packed with breathtaking action scenes, political insight, and unforgettable characters, this subversive action-thriller for a new era turns the terrorist novel on its head.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The goal is to fight terrorism with terrorism in Isaak's action-packed debut. Cashiered Special Forces operative Carla Smukowski, devastated by her brother's death at the hands of Iraqi terrorists, is lured into an anti-Arab conspiracy. Financed by a politically connected billionaire, Carla trains American militia members to hijack a nuke and divert it to Mecca. Undercover FBI agent Boyce Hammond must pretend support while secretly sabotaging the project, struggling with his relationship with another militia member, and flirting with Carla. Strong female characters, complex questions of loyalty and patriotism, moral gray areas, and an effective depiction of paramilitary psychological and interpersonal dynamics bring unusual depth, but the story's power is undermined by Bush-era politics (this U.K. import was first published in 2007, and it shows) and an unfortunate twist that leads to an anticlimactic ending. (Mar.)
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About the Author

David Isaak has worked as an energy consultant in more than 30 countries, including many Middle Eastern nations. He lives in Huntington Beach, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan UK (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0230700047
• ISBN-13: 978-0230700048
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,421,610 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Debut, April 20, 2008

By 

Justin "JustGo" (Vermont, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shock & Awe (Macmillan New Wrting) (Hardcover)

My attention was first grabbed by this book's cover art, and while one should never judge a book by its cover, I'm glad I did this time. Isaak delivers an extremely original tale filled with great action and amazing attention to detail, authenticity, and realism. The plot is complex, diverse, and full of suspense and surprises. Also, while the story deals deeply with politics and religion, the author never uses the novel as a pulpit to preach opinions at the reader.

My only complaint is that the transitions were sometimes hard to follow, as they often are with globe-spanning thrillers, but that certainly didn't ruin my enjoyment of the novel. I recommend it, and I look forward to seeing what this author will come up with next.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Okay but a little lacking, October 31, 2008

By 

N. Brett (Wiltshire, England) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shock & Awe (Macmillan New Wrting) (Hardcover)

This was okay, but not special enough to make me want to read `just one more chapter'.
Billionaire decides to sort the Muslim fundamentalist problem by using a small tactical nuke on Mecca to knock back the Muslim faith. Using a group of US cultists and ex SF military, a team is put together to put the plan into action...
A nice change is that one or two of the lead characters are women (ex `Rangers') which is an interesting dynamic. Add an undercover FBI agent who has been under for too long and is reaching the point where he needs to get out.
The plot seemed a little trite and I have seen many previous versions, and where it should have been tense and exciting this did not come over although, in fairness, there is a plot twist three quarters of the way through that was a little unexpected but still not enough of a wow factor.
Shame the author did not stick with the female `Rangers', this was an interesting aspect and might have made for a better story. This was a first novel and I am sure the next one will be an improvement, especially if the author does a back story on the ladies...

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm out of breath, August 18, 2008

By 

H. D. Saunders (Danville, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shock & Awe (Macmillan New Wrting) (Hardcover)

This is a superb novel. No other way to say it. Strong female characters. Action. An audacious story line with a plot that frequently surprises. A peculiar thing is that in some cases you have difficulty deciding who you want to be a good guy and who a bad guy, yet you get attached to the characters anyway.

His command of language is amazing: colorful and picture-creating, but easy. Cleverly colloquial; yet underneath this you see what is plainly a deep (and broad) knowledge of the world. It is so well written, I often forgot I was reading.

Grisham, Patterson, Ludlum, Cussler and the others: don't look over your shoulder just now, but here comes some guy called David Isaak. We want more, Mr. Isaak.