It is always fun to continue a series you have been reading. This was another fun adventure into Alex Martel. Admittedly, i struggle with some of Alex as a character and the need for the author to have her be so passive aggressive and the stereotypical “women are too emotional” decision making. I think Alex as a special ops character is enough without the stereotypical add ins that seemed to come in during first half of the book. Once the action began, the book was fantastic. Overall great story and well written.

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Blood Oath is a mixed bag yet engaging thriller. Some parts of the book are action packed and kept me turning the page. Other parts were overly descriptive, cliche ridden, and tough to slog through. “Hurry up and wait” is a popular military cliche. That describes the majority of the book’s first half. I kept waiting for some exciting action packed sections that the author regularly provided us in the first two Alex Martel thrillers. Other than a brief encounter between Tanzania vacationing CIA operative Alex (Alexandra) and her army general father who were on a photographic safari and ended up battling apparent poachers in the Tanzania bush very little action takes place until the second half. The first half is filled with background information highlighting the beauty of Tanzania. We also preview who the bad guys are: a local Maasai tribe with a ruthless chief, Russian mercenaries, Chinese intelligence operatives, and CIA officials who can’t be trusted. Alex will pit her exceptional skills against all.

The basic plot is a bit far fetched with the US establishing a super secret military program in East Africa that General Martel manages. With the Russians and Chinese already embedded in the country building an important lightly guarded facility in their backyard makes little sense. The also unguarded general is the key to discovering the major technical advances the military has made in protecting their important stealth weapons. The Russians want the general eliminated and the Chinese want to abduct the general to obtain intelligence on the program in order to counter its capabilities. The general is captured by the cruel and violent Maasai chief being paid by the Russians, beaten, and then transported across Tanzania to be sold.

Alex and her assembled team chase after them—observe only the CIA bosses order. The team follow orders until it’s clear that General Martel is about to be picked up by the Chinese and interrogated. Now the action starts and Alex becomes the warrior we saw in the first two books. The book’s second half is filled with action, bodies piling up, and Alex meeting opponents head on, including two on her team, to rescue her father.

While I did struggle through several parts overall it is worth reading. The author can tell a compelling story—an inspiring father-daughter bond, the importance of teamwork when engaging the enemy, loyalty, and trust is earned, not ordered. I must admit though that the author had me totally confused by using both given names and code names of the team members during the several clashes with Maasai warriors and Russian mercenaries during the rescue operations. A list of names/code names on a page in the frontmatter would have been quite helpful. I was also slightly troubled by the superior/subordinate physical relationship between Caleb and Alex. It seemed artificial, unnecessary, and wrong place, wrong time.. I didn’t buy it or like it.

The characters are well drawn, the military jargon and weapons descriptions kept to a minimum, and the political intervention of the Russians and Chinese plausible. I did get a little tired of the “Greater good” cliche from tyhe CIA brass. Overall I was a satisfied reader. Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Blood Oath.

📚 Blood Oath by Steve Urszenyi

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Blood Oath is a gripping thriller that delves into the complexities of loyalty, power, and betrayal. Special Agent Alexandra Martel returns in this third installment, facing challenges that test her resolve and expertise. Urszenyi crafts a narrative filled with tension and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The character development is strong, and the pacing ensures a thrilling experience from start to finish. While the book is intense, some readers might find certain aspects of the plot a bit heavy-handed. Nonetheless, it's a must-read for fans of action-packed thrillers.

I loved this book so much that I read it in one sitting. It was that compelling! Alex Martel is such a great character, and I felt every one of her emotions. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. I received an ARC from Net Galley, and the opinions expressed are my own.

This was pretty unbelievable, which took me out of the story a lot. I suspended belief for the previous two books, but it wore a bit thin and I just couldn’t do it this time. Third time’s NOT the charm, unfortunately.

This was a pretty fun read, although the story line and characterization were way OTT. Not real believable but entertaining if you limit your intellegence.