Use of Force: A Thriller (The Scot Harvath Series Book 17) Kindle Edition

Use of Force brings back Brad Thor’s counterterrorism expert Scot Harvath, with non-stop action from page one to the very end. It’s highly advised that you set aside a good weekend to punch through this thriller because it’s very difficult to put down once you’re in for the ride. From the very beginning, Scot is surrounded by his team of warriors, ranging from Mike Haney & Matt Morrison, two bad ass former Force Recon Marines. Tim Barton, a Navy Seal. Tyler Staelin, A Delta Force Operative. And, Jack Gage, a Green Beret.

As a former Marine, myself, I can appreciate their dialogue between each other, both in battle and off. When you become so close to a small group of people and you literally go through hell and back with them. Certain things, such as joking and throwing “the bird” to each other becomes a part of your regular vocabulary. Brad Thor did not disappoint in that aspect at all. It’s part of serving that builds brotherhood and camaraderie. Very few authors, such as Joshua Hood, who I am using as an example since he’s been there and done that, capture this with such a perfect balance of real and “no way” that’s out of line. It’s clear Brad Thor does his research and puts in work to be as accurate as possible in every detail possible.

Along with those characters, we have some new ones. A very capable and attractive CIA Specialized Skills Officer Deborah Lovett. Paolo Argento, the leader of an elite special unit in Italy tasked with taking down organized crime and terrorists’ networks. You quickly realize, Argento is as motivated as Harvath in taking down terrorists and making his country safe.

Some returning characters include, “the old Man” or Reed Carlton. Which I have very mixed feelings about in regard to his future. I will keep it spoiler free, but once you’ve read it, I look forward to your thoughts. Along with him, is Lydia Ryan & Bob McGee. Both are very competent and provide the right amount of support our counterterrorism expert needs to complete his mission. Finally, my favorite, Nicholas, aka “The Troll.” He is as formidable and bad ass as ever in his craft. Always surrounded by his two loyal companions and no task is too difficult when it comes to cyber espionage.

In conclusion, Use of Force is a MUST READ. If it’s not on your summer must read list, put it on and get it to the top asap. You will not be disappointed. I give this book a very solid five stars, if I could give more I would. It’s THAT good and Brad Thor once again delivers with non-stop, heart pounding action from beginning to end.

If you're looking for an Action-Adventure type novel in which American special forces with little regard for legal compliance and inconvenient rules, this book is written especially for you. On the other hand, if you demand your books to be politically correct and free of profanities, you will want to pass on this. Although the 17th in the series, this is a stand-alone novel.

*** LANGUAGE ***

Rarely are books in this genre free of profanities. Yes, the f-word pops up now and then, but not nearly so often as one might expect. If this were a film, it would be rated PG 13.

I had some difficulty in suspending my disbelief early on in the book. One example is the reference to some dastardly fools helping refugees to use poorly equipped vessels (with no life jackets) escape to commence their new life. The protagonist states the guys are sub-human. Any time I hear such a phrase, the hair on my neck rises. I'd have preferred the term "acted as if they were sub-human in their concern for fellow human beings." That, though, is just me.

Another, more important issue, was the operation of CIA within the US borders. Or even the dependence of the CIA, as CIA is really only a member of a larger, more extensive intelligence network. Again, though, that is just my internal prejudice. I probably should not even mention it. I do so to explain why I had difficulty early in the book.

As I read further (and listened to much of it using Audible, though, I found myself enjoying the action and the detailed insight by this writer and will go back and read some of the other episodes featuring Scot Harvath.

This excerpt might prove useful:

'...He would have been happy to continue the arrangement in perpetuity, but based on what Lydia Ryan had told him, the Old Man had other plans.

It pissed Harvath off and made him smile at the same time. Reed Carlton was inscrutable. No matter how sure you were that you had him figured out, he was always running multiple different angles you had never even considered. He was the spy master’s spy master. He had seen America through the Cold War and beyond.

As technology boomed, life became easier. As life became easier, Americans grew softer. As Americans grew softer, the threats arrayed against the United States grew more deadly. Weakness encouraged aggression.

And when the aggression arrived, America had turned to hard men like Reed Carlton to strap on their armor, climb into the arena, and run a sword through it. But now, Reed Carlton could no longer strap on his armor.

That was a hard fact for Harvath to come to terms with. The Old Man had been one of those few constants in his life. He was also the epitome of the warrior. Warriors died in the arena, in battle, on their feet.

Once again, Harvath was reminded of how cruel it was for a man as brilliant as Reed Carlton to lose his life to a disease known for robbing victims of their minds. Of everything he had given to his country—his courage, his patriotism, and his loyalty—it was his genius that had served America without equal.

Now, his mind was being stolen from him. But it wasn’t gone yet. His wife was in a nursing home, and before he joined her, he intended to not only set the chess board, but stack the bench of American chess players as deep as he could as well.

To do it right, though, he needed Harvath onboard. That was why he had asked Lydia Ryan to intercede. It wasn’t hard to see.

The Old Man loved him like a son, but Harvath knew he loved something more...'

Thor, Brad. Use of Force: A Thriller (The Scot Harvath Series Book 17) (pp. 76-77). Atria/Emily Bestler Books. Kindle Edition.

Bottom Line

A solid four stars out of five.

Comments regarding your opinion of this book or of my review, whether favorable or unfavorable, are always welcome. If you buy the book based on my review and become disappointed, especially, I do want to know that and I want to understand how I can improve as a book reviewer. Just please be polite.

Thank you.

Scot is up to his eyeballs in shenanigans once again! Mr. Thor weaves an action packed thriller that could easily come from any and all countries front pages and tv news. That's why I have loved every book. They most certainly could be real. I pray Mr. Thor enjoys many years writing about Scot's exploits. I certainly will enjoy reading them. If you are a fan of Brad Thor's books you will love this one. I won't put any spoilers in this review. I know you'll enjoy the fast paced action and adventure. Thank you, Brad Thor, and I'm looking forward to the next book!

Well, there's just so much you can say with an author like Brad Thor and a main character like Scott Harvath! Definitely one of my very favorites! Love and look forward to all of these books! Highly recommend!!

Use of force gives you a chilling and all too real look into the mindset of a terrorists and those who would fight him. Exploring the cold evil rational of the terrorists, the determination, dedication of the counter terrorist and a poignant battle with Alzheimer's by an aging spy master.
Use of force takes you on a journey across continent and though major cities of Europe where brave people must make hard choices to protect the innocent. Time spent with Use of Force will leave you with no regrets and a new appreciation for Murphy's law.

I really enjoyed reading this book...the adventure moved with purpose...kept my interest to the end. Horvath is very believable...anyone wanting to get involved in a good thriller needs to read this book.