Customer Reviews

The American (Ryan Kealey)

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Young author Britton uses a, "What if the enemy is one of us?" scenario in a somewhat typical, but still enjoyable thriller. And while my 4-star rating may be a little generous, it's still a pretty impressive debut.

The story is pretty simple. Ryan Kealey, a 33-year-old retired former Special Forces op, is drawn back into the national security game when a suspected terrorist is revealed to be a former officer once under Kealey's command. From there, it's typical cat-and-mouse stuff, with a couple of love interest storylines thrown in for good measure.

While not on the level of Tom Clancy's military thrillers, this is a nice debut from Britton. Kealey is a believable hero, even if he seems a little Jack Bauer-ish at times with the threats of torture and unbridled use of violent means. Anyone who likes a fast-moving story, and one that doesn't necessarily command you to be constantly figuring things out, should enjoy this one. Hopefully, Britton's next novel will iron out some of the problems evident in this one, and he'll be able to tell a story in fewer pages.

Overall, a good debut effort. Recommended for fans of the genre.

Britton has delivered adventure and psychological terror in
The American. It came highly recommended by one of my favorite authors Brad Thor. and it has all the right ingredients for the big screen. As Thor said " Fast. Gripping. A page turner" I did not put it down until I was finished. Then I found myself in discussion with friends and the story line. It has been a while since I was this excited about a book. I am and will recommend it. More from this young author please. I do know I will hold a space for him on my book shelf.

Andrew Britton is the surprise of the month and maybe the year. British-born and American-raised Britton served in the Army as a combat engineer and is presently pursuing a double major in psychology and economics. At the tender age of 24, he has penned a riveting and compelling debut novel.

THE AMERICAN introduces Ryan Kealey, who is retired from the military and CIA when he receives the call he's been dreading. Jason March, a former U.S. soldier and Kealey's one-time student, is on an extended mission of terror against the United States. March nurses a pathological hatred against the U.S. and all it stands for. He is also an assassin of the highest order, being a master of explosives, firearms and unarmed combat. He is, in short, Kealey's mirror image. The last time they met, March came to within a hairs breadth of killing Kealey. When March's presence reveals itself in a dramatic and deadly fashion, Kealey is brought back into the service of the CIA.

Teamed with the brilliant and beautiful Naomi Kharmi, Kealey finds himself constantly a step behind March, who has aligned himself with Middle Eastern terrorists whose goal is nothing less than the destruction of western civilization in general and the United States specifically. Britton follows both men on twin tracks as their opposing goals slowly and inexorably head toward a collision. Kealey attempts to balance the newfound peace of his personal life with the horrors of his past and a job that must be done, while March, being followed by Kealey, pursues a mission that is as brilliant in its execution as it is terrifying. Both men, as the book races toward its cataclysmic conclusion, shall find reason for revenge.

Britton writes with true authority --- there were times when I felt as if I was a fly on March's shoulder watching the proceedings --- and within the space of one novel demonstrates that he has the chops to become a master of the thriller genre. And the ending of THE AMERICAN? Whoa. More is coming. In the meantime, don't miss this one. Highly recommended.

--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

The American came to me highly recommended. Britton is a gifted writer. The American is exciting.When you get inside it, it is very difficult to set aside. A well plotted story. Tinglingly literate. I look foward to more on Kealey and March.

I recently purchased The American. Based on reviews and the fact that I also served as a combat engineer. I found it to be fact filled.And YES exciting . A great story line combined with present day fears and facts. YES I have heard and read all the old gruff about, heard it all before. But in this case. I don't think that statement is fair. Britton has gone beyond the call of duty with Kealey and March. The entire background story line. The attention to detail. The ground he covers from the coast of Maine to the desert sands of the middle east. Keeps this all fresh exciting and very readable. It was difficult to put the book down. I spent my entire weekend reading. And then when I thought I was almost finished. He took me completly by surprise. I look foward to reading more from this young author and wish him all the luck in the world for his future.
Chuck L Howell

Thank you to Andrew Britton for this his first novel. Real excitement did bounce of every page. it is a superb thriller.
Kealey and March circle each other in thier lethal game. and you find your self plunged into a nightmare world of terror and how the mind of Jason March ticks. Kealey's mission is to hunt down March and destroy him. March is losing it with Kealey and back tracks into his persoanl life. EDGE OF YOUR SEAT READING!!
The only good thing about having to finish reading The American. is the fact that we know that this is a trilogy.
I cannot wait for the next installment

I recently picked up a copy for my son. But started to read it myself. And 3 days later I was done and able to hand it over. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book so much. Britton has gone for the Forsyth style. Reminded me of The Day of The Jackal. used Real names. Real places!! Very in the news. present day danger. "A USA nightmare" A brillant story line, that was well directed.and exciting. I like it enough to pass on to my son. and to say I will recommend it to friends.

The American is impossible to put down! Fast paced, intricate thriller which will keep you glued to your chair in this post 9/11 era. Even my husband, who much prefers history books over fiction, loved this book. Don't miss it!

This turned out to be an exciting book.I decided to try a new author
and I was very pleased with my choice.
In Washington D.C. Senator Daniel Levy has just finished with a press
conference.He is an ardent critic of Iran and their nuclear program.As his
motorcade is progressing he is blown off of the face of the earth.When the
FBI and CIA move in to arrest a congressional staffer who has knowledge of the happenings.He lives at the Kennedy-Warren townhouses.The townhouses
are leveled by a tremendous explosion resulting in many deaths.The culprit behind all of this carnage is Jason March a former Special Forces
operative for the United States.
Sent to track March is former Special Forces soldier and CIA agent Ryan Kealey.He is very faniliar with March.On a Special Forces mission in Syria
March killed all of his fellow soldiers and severly wounded Kealey.March then joined Al-Qaeda.Kealey is joined in his pursuit of March by CIA agent Naomi Kharmia.
They have discovered a plan by March to assassinate President David Brenneman.French President Chiracc,and Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi
in a ceremony in Washington D.C.They have also discovered that March is really William Vanderveen from South Africa.The book has a very exciting finish.There is nonstop action throughout the book.
Brittomn has shown himself to be a very promising author.

I love a good book. It is a means of escape. Britton managed to take my mind on a road trip with The pure high energy and suspense of The American. I highly recommend it.wanted to convey my congratulations to the author. And will wait for more in this series of books. Welcome on board to the house of suspense and thrillers.