What readers are saying

“I was immediately drawn into The Epsilon Protocol and was pleasantly surprised by how easy the story was to follow despite its detail and complexity.”

S. Jessop

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The generational and difficult history between the Middle East and the West is always challenging. Now add an international hostage situation to the mix, and you have the makings of a great story and this book is just that.

I was immediately drawn into The Epsilon Protocol and was pleasantly surprised by how easy the story was to follow despite its detail and complexity. From the opening pages, the suspense, careful planning, and well-developed characters kept me turning the pages, wondering what would happen next.

What I particularly enjoyed was the development of the characters. Their backgrounds, personalities, talents, and areas of expertise were gradually revealed, bringing them to life and making them feel like real people. Before long, I felt as though I knew them and had become part of the team. Their diverse skills also made the operation feel remarkably believable.

The complexity of the plan was another aspect I thoroughly enjoyed. There were so many opportunities for things to go sideways that I was never certain the team would succeed. Different organizations, bureaucracies, and countries added another layer of difficulty, and at times, obtaining the necessary approvals seemed almost as daunting as the operation itself. I appreciated this attention to detail because it made the operation feel remarkably realistic.

I also found the team’s need to operate in the “grey areas” particularly interesting. Their decisions often forced them to balance what was right, what was necessary, and what was possible. These complications added realism and made me question what I might do in similar circumstances.

The plot was filled with twists and surprises. The uncertainty over who would make it through and who might not added to the tension and kept me guessing right to the end.

It is clear that Gordon Black’s background in law enforcement and experience in hostage negotiation contribute significantly to the story’s authenticity. The detailed portrayal of the planning, negotiations, and operational challenges gives the book a convincing sense of reality.

The writing style reminded me of some of my favourite authors, particularly Ken Follett and John le Carré. Like their work, The Epsilon Protocol combines complex plotting, believable characters, international intrigue, and suspense.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Epsilon Protocol and highly recommend it. It captured my attention, kept me guessing, and made me genuinely care about the characters and the outcome. I can’t wait for the next story featuring Landon Holt, his “main man” Surf, and their team.

“The character development is on par with Baldacci and Coben. Each character has a distinct personality and purpose.”

K. S.

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This book is one I simply could not put down. It is an engaging page-turner from the very beginning, with strong character development, multiple subplots, and a level of tension that kept me completely invested in the story.

The character development is on par with Baldacci and Coben. Each character has a distinct personality and purpose, while the many subplots develop naturally throughout the story, adding depth and keeping the story moving.

And when the real battle begins, you feel as though you are right there with the team, with bullets whizzing past your head and danger coming from every direction. The action is intense and vividly portrayed.

What impressed me most was how completely the story pulled me in. I wasn’t simply reading about what was happening, I felt as though I was there, experiencing the tension and uncertainty alongside the characters.

I will be giving this book to everyone I know who loves a good thriller. The Epsilon Protocol grabs your attention from the opening pages and keeps you invested all the way through. I highly recommend it and am already looking forward to seeing what comes next.

“I have never read a book that fast. Absolutely catches you from the first page and keeps you on the precipice till it’s over.”

M.A.S.

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I have just finished “The Epsilon Protocol” by Gordon Black. I have never read a book that fast. Absolutely catches you from the first page and keeps you on the precipice till it’s over. It is a story about international terrorism and hostage negotiation. It is about the best in the business and those that get called no matter where a problem is. Landon Holt is a name I will always remember.

The tension is unbelievable and rarely lets up. I have read many King, Ludlum, and Baldacci books and this book stands up to those. It reads like a book from someone who has been writing for a lifetime!

The “Epsilon Protocol” tells a story from a new perspective and with a kind of detail and reality that is almost never given. The descriptions make you see and feel and hear and smell the environment and also the characters, both good and not so good.

There is a huge depth of character development which makes you realize just how real and multifaceted they are. They are serious and angry and funny and loving. I feel like I know them! The “Epsilon Protocol” has given me insight into a terrible part of humanity and also into the strength, integrity, morality, and bravery that our real heroes in the international hostage negotiation teams possess! I am glad they are on our side!

Please Gordon, bring us more stories like this.

“For readers who enjoy the geopolitical and operational depth of Tom Clancy combined with the character-driven suspense of David Baldacci, The Epsilon Protocol should be a very enjoyable read.”

Deb P.

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The Epsilon Protocol immediately reminded me of the kind of international thrillers I have enjoyed from Tom Clancy and David Baldacci. Like Clancy, Gordon Black brings together geopolitics, intelligence, military operations and the competing interests of governments and agencies. Like Baldacci, however, he keeps the characters at the centre of the story, making you care about the people behind the operation rather than simply following the action.

What I found particularly interesting was the emphasis on hostage negotiation. Most thrillers eventually come down to weapons and firepower; this story spends a great deal of time in the far more complicated world of negotiation, where understanding the people involved can be every bit as important as understanding the threat. Landon Holt’s ability to read a situation, anticipate what others are thinking and work through seemingly impossible circumstances makes him a fascinating protagonist.

The story also gives the reader a look behind the scenes at the political and operational machinery surrounding an international hostage crisis. Governments, intelligence agencies, negotiators and special operations forces all have different priorities, and watching those competing interests come together and sometimes collide adds another layer of tension.

The level of detail throughout the book is impressive. The negotiations, planning, intelligence gathering and operational preparation are described with a realism that makes the reader feel that they are witnessing events rather than simply reading about them. It is obvious that the author has firsthand experience in this world, and that knowledge gives the story a credibility that is difficult to manufacture.

The characters are another strength. As the story develops, you begin to understand their personalities, backgrounds and motivations, and the members of the team become people you genuinely care about. That makes the danger considerably more personal when things begin to go wrong.

The Epsilon Protocol is a substantial thriller with a lot going on, but I never found the complexity difficult to follow. There are enough twists, competing agendas and unexpected developments to keep you guessing right to the end.

For readers who enjoy the geopolitical and operational depth of Tom Clancy combined with the character-driven suspense of David Baldacci, The Epsilon Protocol should be a very enjoyable read. I certainly found it difficult to put down and am looking forward to seeing where Landon Holt and his team go next.