Cover Image: Threat Level Alpha

Threat Level Alpha

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I am so pleased by Threat Level Alpha. It is listed as book 6 in the Dam Morgan series, I have not read the first 5, however I was not confused at all. What I was - highly entertained by this well written action thriller. I am especially appreciative of how fully dimensional Mr. Maloney's characters are, and how clear voiced. The novel is fast paced, well balanced, and an easy read. I was compelled to read much too late into the night. Seeing that Mr. Maloney is a former Black Ops vet, I was a little afraid the book might get too technical, but that did not occur. Jargon appears minimally. Dialogue seemed appropriate to character and situation. I think I will seek out the rest of the series.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

Was this review helpful?

There is a lot going on in the book and I needed to focus on what I was reading so I could grasp everything. I didn’t really get some of it but maybe I needed to read the other books prior to help put all the players and pieces together easier. This book has plenty of twists and turns and surprises and is very enjoyable to read, just make sure you’re paying attention to all the details!

Was this review helpful?

From a joint operation to individual simultaneous field events, Morgan and Crowley keep readers on the edge of their seats.
If you haven’t exercised your thriller reading mind in some time, you’ll find yourself out of breath with every reading season devoted to this black ops thriller.

This is the first book in this series that I’ve read, but it won’t be the last.

Was this review helpful?

Although this is Maloney's sixth thriller featuring Dan Morgan, it's the first Leo J. Maloney book I have read, but it certainly won't be the last. I found the characters believable, the plot was well thought out and kept me on the edge of my seat. The good guys were likable, and amusing, but not perfect. The story was fast paced, and kept me coming back fore more. There were a few typos/grammatical errors, but not too many, and i didnt find them distracting.

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good thrill ride that keeps you guessing.

I was given an ARC of this book from netgalley, but the opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is a good read about Dan Morgan, Conley and the Zeta group. Dan and his partner Peter Conley have just finished an assignment and are off to different relaxing vacations only to be brought back to the fold very quickly. A blueprint for a Russian experiment in a deadly disease is stolen and terrorists are at work to build a poison to wipe out humanity. Morgan is on the hunt with an old friend/enemy from a prior mission. This is a great book with an intricate plot. It is my first Leo Maloney book and I look forward to reading more. Thank you to by Leo J. Maloney, Kensington Books and Lyrical Underground for the ARC for my review.

Was this review helpful?

Great thriller by Maloney. The book was action packed and fast paced. I thoroughly enjoyed book and am looking forward to reading more my Maloney.

Was this review helpful?

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Leo J. Maloney, and Lyrical Underground for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Leo Maloney is back with another novel in the Dan Morgan series, pushing the limits while enthralling the reader with this high-impact story. The Zeta Division has changed significantly over the last number of years, particularly with some of the hard work that Dan Morgan has put in to make this elite organisation extremely effective while remaining covert. Choosing to take a well-deserved holiday with his patient wife, Morgan counsels Alex, his daughter and one of Zeta’s newest operatives, to watch herself over the next little while. Alex Morgan may be young but she is prepared to handle any situation tossed at her. When Zeta learns that a biochemistry professor, nicknamed Dr. Armageddon, has been espousing a virus that kills the entire human population to create a ‘reset’, Alex is sent to infiltrate the group and learn all she can about any future plans. While she soaks up the college life, her parents are chased down by a group of Russian operatives, whose target is surely Dan Morgan. While he expects trouble, this is an old friend/foe seeking Morgan’s help with a piece of highly delicate intel. It would appear a Chechen terrorist group has gathered old Soviet documentation on a biological weapon that could wreak havoc on large portions of the population. These terrorists must be stopped at any cost or things could go sour quickly. Just as Alex seems to be making headway posing as a college student, the Chechens arrive on campus to force Dr. Armageddon and a group of students to work on the Soviet weapon or die trying. Morgan must keep his cool while waiting to hear what is going on, knowing that Alex’s life could be in extreme danger. If this were not enough, a terror group in the Philippines has stormed into an international gathering, seeking to maximise the body count to make a point. Maloney has done it again with this stellar read that pulls the reader into the middle of this entertaining piece. Those who enjoy the Dan Morgan series will surely want to get their hands on this novel, as will readers who enjoy stories that mix espionage and political intrigue.

I am always in the mood for Leo J. Maloney’s work, as it weaves an exciting story and does not let the reader breathe until the final sentence. Maloney has a way not only with words, but is also able to engage the reader with strong writing and believable dialogue. Dan Morgan takes a backseat in this novel, forced to wait as his daughter tries to extricate herself out of one of the most harrowing experiences in her young life. Alex proves to be not only an endearing character, but also has the grit needed to make it in the Zeta Division. Her passion for the work and ability to blend in proves to be the perfect mix. Alex comes out of her shell and proves that she can emerge from the shadow cast by her father, surely a formative point in the series. There are other strong characters whose secondary role help push the story forward while ramping up the action as well. Working two key plots in tandem, Maloney forces the reader to pay close attention, as each storyline has its own importance to the overall advancement of the series. The novel moves away from some of the traditional ‘terrorist’ pieces, turning not only to a Russian enemy, but also new forms of weapons. Looking towards biological warfare, Maloney hints at what might be to come, if not in reality, then at least in this genre that is jam-packed with authors striving to ascend to the top of the pack. Maloney is there and with more stories of this nature, he is sure to remain there for the foreseeable future.

Kudos, Mr. Maloney, for another great novel. I cannot say enough about your writing and hope others will discover you soon!

Was this review helpful?

Incredibly worthwhile read. Leo J Maloney has definitely hit the mark with this very clever and well written story. I really enjoyed the plot, especially since it had me guessing with what was going to happen from one moment to the next. Alex Morgan is the sort of character that you can’t help but like. He’s the ultimate tough guy, with some incredible skills. It’s one of the many reasons I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series.
Alex Morgan finally received her first mission since starting with Zeta, after what seemed like an eternity stuck in training. It sounded like a straight forward mission to pose as a student at Berkeley and see exactly what one of the professors was up to. Especially since the professor in question was openly advocating the death of all human life on earth, to save the planet from being destroyed. Unfortunately, a group of Chechnya men had other ideas for the Professor and his students, and they weren’t going to take no for an answer. Luckily for Zeta Dan Morgan has come into contact with the Russian operator Valery Dobrynin. He is sure that the Chechnyan group are here to make a bio weapon that was initially invented years ago, that could have very devastating consequences for the world’s population. I really look forward to more from this Author in the future. Do yourself a favour and read this book, you won’t be disappointed.

Was this review helpful?

I tried to review this on Amazon, but I couldn't because I was given the message that the item is not yet released and is not eligible to be reviewed.

This is one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a long time. There was plenty of action, yet not too much so as to be confusing. The characters were well developed and it was easy to keep them straight. The story ended on a challenging, but positive note, which made it all the more satisfying.

The one thing I could never figure out is the relationship of the title to the storyline of the book. It just didn't make sense to me, but I gave up on worrying about the title and sat back and enjoyed the book. I hope one day I can post the review to Amazon as I think the author deserves a sincerely positive review.

Was this review helpful?

In Leo Maloney's Dan Morgan series, Morgan is part of Zeta Division, a secret private intelligence organization that is called in only when circumstances are dire. In Threat Level Alpha, #6 in the series, we meet these alpha agents as they are stealing a top secret Russian fighter jet with high tech bells and whistles--possibly better than America’s. And they snatch it from its own well-defended hanger deep in enemy territory. Before they have time to fully celebrate, terrorists steal the formula for a virus that is easily deployed with a 100% mortality rate. It is so dangerous, Russia stopped investigating it and destroyed everything about it--but apparently not well enough. To use it, the new owners must figure out how to turn the formula into an active virus. No problem. They kidnap a radical group of University biotech grad students, themselves intent on saving the world from mankind, and set them up in a secret lab as prisoners until they build the virus. Once that's done, it will be deployed in the USA. What they don't know is that two Zeta agents are embedded in the group and one of them happens to be Morgan’s daughter.

This is my first novel from Maloney and good grief! What a way to start. The surprises and suspense only get bigger and better with every twist and turn. Maloney fills the action with weaponry and special forces details that make everything feel as authentic as if I'm right there:

“It will get easier when we hit our altitude. Not enough air at 40,000 feet to make turbulence”

"...the people of Tibet had no more control of their sky then they did over their land. They’d lost that control to the Chinese army in 1950."

This is one of the fastest moving, intricately plotted thrillers I’ve read in a long time. Highly recommended for those who love this genre.

--to be reviewed on my blog, Worddreams, 2-4-19

Was this review helpful?

Any book by Mr Maloney featuring Dan Morgan and the Zeta Group he works for is bound to be replete with plenty of action. The present novel is no exception. And the action is ratcheted up, if that is possible. Beside Dan we have his partner, his daughter, and his wife embroiled in one of the several action scenes. Dan and his partner Peter Conley have just finished an assignment and are entitled to a little R & R. Conley decides to go to Manila, relax there and enjoy some of the local pleasures. Instead he meets Dani who is with a Chinese delegation and happens to be a bright, beautiful woman and very interested in defecting to the United States. She meets Peter, interests him in her and broaches the subject of help in effecting a defection. Peter agrees, approaches his supervisor who does agree to help due to Dani's position in China. One set of action begins in Manila with Peter embroiled in handling it.

Dan's daughter Alex, has joined Zeta and is finishing up her training. She is desperate for an assignment working undercover in order to prove that she is capable of becoming a full fledged member of the group. She has her wish granted and is assigned to infiltrate a fringe group at the University of California, Berkeley. Headed by a professor the group subscribes to the idea that the earth is being irreparably harmed by the presence of mankind and is looking for a means of ridding the planet of the problem.
Dan is aware that his daughter has this assignment, and when problems arise leading to Alex's disappearance along with the rest of the fringe group he jumps into action. He is joined by his wife whose skills have been attained via association with Dan. The plot moves through both actions; Alex's disappearance and the events in Manila. Nothing to do but become mesmorized by the book and lose sleep while finishing it. Typical Dan Morgan action with the added events in Manila keeping the reader fascinated and immersed awaiting the outcomes with batted breath.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to the Publisher and to the author, and especially #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review "Threat Level Alpha" by Leo J. Maloney - the latest entry in the Dan Morgan/Zeta series of high-flying espionage novels. Having previously read four books in the series, I was thrilled to be able to preview the latest.

Threat Level Alpha finds the readers treated to a breakneck speed dual plot line tale, starting with a HALO jump to steal foreign tech and ending with the saving of humanity; not bad for one book.
In Threat Level Alpha, National Security has become a family affair: we know that Dan Morgan's daughter has recently joined Zeta and is training for her first assignment. When she's sent undercover to infiltrate a group that she had previously belonged to (but saw the light) and to investigate "Dr. Apocalypse", things take a turn for the dangerous.

Meanwhile, her father Dan Morgan is approached by a former adversary with a tale of possible global extinction, thanks to an old USSR project that was thought to have been buried and forgotten; however, it has fallen into the wrong hands and once again threatens life as we know it.

In the Philippines, Peter Conley is shadowing a Chinese delegation that's looking to improve ties between the two countries, when he's intrigued by one of the female members of the delegation. As their relationship grows, and Peter discovers that she has a secret, they are plunged into chaos as their hotel is attacked.
At the same time, Alex Morgan has become enmeshed in her father's search for a deadly virus, without knowing it.

The action is non-stop, but there's plenty of storyline - including a sometimes hilarious interrogation of a 'chop shop' owner and his thugs by Mr. Morgan.

In the end, even Jenny Morgan is involved in the action which barrels along to a satisfying conclusion - almost; there is a cliffhanger which sets up the next book in the series.

All in all, recommended to fans of the series and of the genre.

Was this review helpful?

Threat Level Alpha by Leo J. Maloney
Publisher: Lyrical Underground, Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 978-1-5161-0331-7 (ebook)

I couldn’t put this book down. The Morgans, father Dan and rookie daughter Alex, work for a non-government CIA-like organization Zeta Division. I’d like to begin this review t by comparing the main character to the Mitch Rapp in the successful series written by Vince Flynn. Dan Morgan is like Mitch in that he is highly skilled and mostly reactive to a situation or mission, but short in patience with government authorities; hence, he works for an “outside” black op organization. Like Mitch, he is ruthless, cleaver, fearless, and entertaining. You’ll find the blurbs indicate a biochemical threat that needs to be countered. This mission becomes Alex’s field operative debut and lead. Complications along the way, beginning with her kidnapping, bring in the team to find her and end the conflict.

Meanwhile, a second operation overseas by Dan’s fellow agent Conley confronting terrorists in a hotel and his connection with a beautiful Chinese woman, Dani, provides addition action and second story to keep you on the edge of your seat. Dani becomes an important player as you will determine when the book concludes.

The only disturbing and negative thing I can say about this book is the repetitious text throughout giving me the impression that I, the reader, couldn’t remember what was read 3-4 times already. But, this could be interpreted as positive to some, as it is a constant reminder or events or people that may have been forgotten. Not once did I have to go back in the book to review something that happened. However, all that repetitive text for me could have been left out and replaced with more interesting, supplemental content. Thus, a 5-star story became a 4.5-Star read for me.

But, I will get his next book and look forward to Dan Morgan’s next adventure with both old and new characters on his team.

Reviewer: Rich

Was this review helpful?

Author Leo J. Maloney has done a terrific job of mixing plot-driven and character-driven components into this action-packed novel. Dan Morgan and his wife try to get away for a long-awaited vacation when they find themselves being chased by Russians. Meanwhile, fellow Zeta operatives Alex (Dan’s daughter) and Peter Conley put their skills to work to prevent catastrophe in California and Asia.. Those who love non-stop action will love this story and look forward to the Zetas In Maloney’s next book as well.

Was this review helpful?

I recommend this book for those who like action movies. I can't wait to wait for the next book to find out what happens next.

Was this review helpful?