What do you think?
Rate this book
Alexander Hawke #9
Patriot
In corrupt Russia, an erratic Vladimir Putin is determined to forge his country into a formidable superpower once again. He intends to redraw the map of Europe, and will go to impossible extremes to realize his fantasies—including shooting down a civilian airliner packed with tourists bound for China. Kremlin scientists have developed a radical new weapon that could forever alter modern warfare. NATO, locked in a tense standoff over Ukraine, Poland, and Estonia, knows Putin will not hesitate to use it. But there is one man who can bring the world back from the brink: Britain’s foremost intelligence asset, Lord Alexander Hawke.
The intrepid MI6 officer’s latest challenge begins in the Gulf of Aden and soon has him searching for the link to a series of bizarre assassinations. Spies are dying all over the world—from London, Washington, D.C., and Maine, to Moscow, and even the glittering Cote d’Azur. In the murky world of counterterrorism and high-stakes intrigue, the odds have never been higher. Once again, Alex Hawke must save the world... one bullet at a time.
The intrepid MI6 officer’s latest challenge begins in the Gulf of Aden and soon has him searching for the link to a series of bizarre assassinations. Spies are dying all over the world—from London, Washington, D.C., and Maine, to Moscow, and even the glittering Cote d’Azur. In the murky world of counterterrorism and high-stakes intrigue, the odds have never been higher. Once again, Alex Hawke must save the world... one bullet at a time.
529 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2015
256 people are currently reading
1,699 people want to read
About the author
Ted Bell
42Ìýbooks850ÌýfollowersTed Bell was the author of 12 consecutive New York Times best sellers and a former advertising executive. He began his advertising career in the 1970’s as a junior copywriter at Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB), New York. At the age of 25, he sold his first screenplay to Hollywood, as well as became the youngest vice-president in the storied history of DDB. He then joined Leo Burnett Co., Chicago, as a creative director and four years later, he was named President, Chicago Creative Officer where he was credited with developing numerous innovative and award-winning advertising campaigns. In 1982, Bell joined Young & Rubicam, London, and in 1991 he became the Vice Chairman and Worldwide Creative Director. Ted won every award the advertising industry offers, including numerous Clios and Cannes Gold Lions, and while at Young & Rubicam, the Grand Prix at the Cannes Festival. In 2001, Ted retired to write full time. He has 10 New York Times Bestsellers to his credit: The Alex Hawke series of spy thrillers published by HarperCollins and the young adult targeted time travel adventure series, Nick of Time and The Time Pirate published by St. Martins Press.
�
A native Floridian, Bell graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia and was a former member of the college’s Board of Trustees. He held an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Kendall College in Michigan. Bell was also an Adjunct Professor of English Literature at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. He was a member of the Defense Orientation Conference Association (DOCA), a program run by the Department of Defense in support of America’s military. He served on the Advisory Board at George Washington’s Home at Mount Vernon, a group chaired by former Secretary of the Army, Togo West. He also served for a time as an advisor to the Undersecretary for Domestic Relations at the U.S. Department of State.
�
For the 2011-2012 Academic Year, Sir Richard Dearlove, Former Chief of MI6, British Intelligence, sponsored Ted to become a Visiting Scholar at Cambridge University (UK). In addition, he was named Writer-in-Residence at Sydney-Sussex College, Cambridge and studied at the University’s Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLIS) under the tutelage of Sir Dearlove, who was the Master of Pembroke College.
�
In May 2018, Ted published OVERKILL, the 10th book in the popular Alex Hawke spy thriller series.
�
In January 2019, Ted and Jon Adler of Jon Adler Films formed El Dorado Entertainment, a feature film and television production company based in New York.
�
In July 2019, Ted signed a two-book deal with Random House.
�
In July 2020, the 11th Alex Hawke thriller, DRAGONFIRE, was published.
�
On December 7, 2021, the 12th Alex Hawke thriller, SEA HAWKE was published.
�
Ted appeared on numerous television and radio programs and was a featured speaker at associations, clubs, libraries and organizations across the country.
�
Ted traveled the world and lived in Italy, London, France, Palm Beach, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Maine. He last lived in a beloved 19th century farmhouse in Connecticut.
�
�
A native Floridian, Bell graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia and was a former member of the college’s Board of Trustees. He held an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Kendall College in Michigan. Bell was also an Adjunct Professor of English Literature at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. He was a member of the Defense Orientation Conference Association (DOCA), a program run by the Department of Defense in support of America’s military. He served on the Advisory Board at George Washington’s Home at Mount Vernon, a group chaired by former Secretary of the Army, Togo West. He also served for a time as an advisor to the Undersecretary for Domestic Relations at the U.S. Department of State.
�
For the 2011-2012 Academic Year, Sir Richard Dearlove, Former Chief of MI6, British Intelligence, sponsored Ted to become a Visiting Scholar at Cambridge University (UK). In addition, he was named Writer-in-Residence at Sydney-Sussex College, Cambridge and studied at the University’s Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLIS) under the tutelage of Sir Dearlove, who was the Master of Pembroke College.
�
In May 2018, Ted published OVERKILL, the 10th book in the popular Alex Hawke spy thriller series.
�
In January 2019, Ted and Jon Adler of Jon Adler Films formed El Dorado Entertainment, a feature film and television production company based in New York.
�
In July 2019, Ted signed a two-book deal with Random House.
�
In July 2020, the 11th Alex Hawke thriller, DRAGONFIRE, was published.
�
On December 7, 2021, the 12th Alex Hawke thriller, SEA HAWKE was published.
�
Ted appeared on numerous television and radio programs and was a featured speaker at associations, clubs, libraries and organizations across the country.
�
Ted traveled the world and lived in Italy, London, France, Palm Beach, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Maine. He last lived in a beloved 19th century farmhouse in Connecticut.
�
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
July 19, 2017
This is the 8th or 9th book by Mr. Bell about his hero Alex Hawke that I've read and that's where I would rank it... the same old story gets old after awhile.
June 21, 2015
Thanks to the publisher and author for providing me an advanced reader copy (ARC) for an honest review.
This is the first Ted Bell book I have read, and before I review the story, I must explain something. I am from the United States, and Ted Bell is from the UK. I was caught off guard at first with the language differences initially, but eventually slipped into a comfortable reading rhythm. Yes, of course it's English, but words are used in the UK that are not used in the US.
This series starts off painting a picture of a MI6 agent, Agent Hawke, who apparently has a semi-friendship with Russia's President Vladimir Putin. There is a lot of back story and history that has created this hard to fathom relationship, and Bell does a great job filling in the reader on how this came to be. So even though this is book 9 in the series, it can be easily read stand alone. The story bounces around the globe trying to prevent attacks on many fronts, and this story is a 2 sitter as I was glued to the pages, but had to stop to eat a few times. Ted Bell uses factual data using what Russia has been up to lately, and even though the US President in the story is not Obama, it might as well had been, as his weaknesses hold true in real life.
This is worth picking up as soon as it comes out in stores. It is a great thriller, and you will be swept away by the hard core characters and adventures they get themselves into.
This is the first Ted Bell book I have read, and before I review the story, I must explain something. I am from the United States, and Ted Bell is from the UK. I was caught off guard at first with the language differences initially, but eventually slipped into a comfortable reading rhythm. Yes, of course it's English, but words are used in the UK that are not used in the US.
This series starts off painting a picture of a MI6 agent, Agent Hawke, who apparently has a semi-friendship with Russia's President Vladimir Putin. There is a lot of back story and history that has created this hard to fathom relationship, and Bell does a great job filling in the reader on how this came to be. So even though this is book 9 in the series, it can be easily read stand alone. The story bounces around the globe trying to prevent attacks on many fronts, and this story is a 2 sitter as I was glued to the pages, but had to stop to eat a few times. Ted Bell uses factual data using what Russia has been up to lately, and even though the US President in the story is not Obama, it might as well had been, as his weaknesses hold true in real life.
This is worth picking up as soon as it comes out in stores. It is a great thriller, and you will be swept away by the hard core characters and adventures they get themselves into.
June 18, 2015
Hop on board with our favourite swashbuckler, Alex Hawke. I was fortunate to receive an early reviewer of Ted Bell's new Alex Hawke novel. I've been reading about Alex Hawke and his band of "merry men" faithfully since the first book came out and I always look forward to the next one. This new book in the series is supposed to be released in August this year and I urge you to read it if you are a fan of the series. Even if you haven't experienced the wild ride of an Alex Hawke novel this book could be a good place to start. In this book the intrepid Hawke goes toe-to-toe with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Where most people are cowed by this infamous man, Alex is not. The life of his nearest and dearest depend upon Alex dealing with the threat of this formidable foe. The book is chock full of action and fun. Lots of double entendres and sharp wit and lots of bigger than life action. If you begin an Alex Hawke novel you will find that you're busily turning page after page to get to the next action scene. Hawke is a top-ranking MI6 officer who also happens to be the 7th richest Lord in England. He's got the money to afford all the most expensive and new war toys and he's got the battle knowledge and the people leading skills to use them to the best effect. It's a wild ride with Alex, Stoke, Harry Brock, Congreve and even his butler Pelham this time. I love the characters in these books and I love the non-stop action. If you enjoy high impact thrillers, you have to try Alex Hawke.
November 20, 2015
Ted Bell has written better stories around Hawke. This is not one of them. Lots of malice and mayhem without much recompense. Not very James Bond like. This tragedy also contains a weak ending and could easily be rated 1 star. 3 of 10 stars
November 7, 2015
#9 in the Alex Hawke series. This series differs from Scot Horvath, Mitch Rapp, Gabriel Allon, Jack Ryan, etc. by trading technique for derring-do. Hawkes small force repeatedly overcomes overwhelming odds (a two man team invades a military base in central Siberia). The novel is critical of the soft military posture of the West. While, helping to show the need of a harder stance, Putin double-crosses Hawke and plots aggressive acts against the U.S. while invading the Ukraine, Poland ad Estonia.
Alex Hawke series - A former CIA director and expert sailor is found dead on his sailboat in Maine. In Paris, another senior CIA officer dies while making love. When counterspy Alex Hawke hears the news, and other recent suspicious CIA deaths are discovered, he suspects these deaths can be tied to one source: Spider Payne, a rogue intelligence officer. Now it looks like MI6 officer Alex Hawke is directly in his line of fire. But Spider isn't the only ex-intelligence operative with a grudge. Texan colonel Beau Beauregard founded an inter-national mercenary fighting force that gave him both worldwide prestige and a sizeable fortune. Now he's lost it all as clients like the U.S., Russia, and China, blame him for amassing an army of hired renegade killers rather than soldiers. Beau sets his sights set on enemy spies who've betrayed him. In Russia, Vladimir Putin is determined to forge his country into a formidable superpower once more. He'll stop at nothing to realize his global fantasies--including shooting down a Russian Aeroflot airliner full of men, women, and children. Meanwhile, Putin's Kremlin scientists are developing a radical new weapon that could forever alter modern warfare. NATO knows Putin will not hesitate to use it. But they feel powerless while they're locked in a tense standoff as Russian Army forces are arrayed on Eastern Europe's borders. Only one man can bring the world back from this apocalyptic brink: Alex Hawke.
Alex Hawke series - A former CIA director and expert sailor is found dead on his sailboat in Maine. In Paris, another senior CIA officer dies while making love. When counterspy Alex Hawke hears the news, and other recent suspicious CIA deaths are discovered, he suspects these deaths can be tied to one source: Spider Payne, a rogue intelligence officer. Now it looks like MI6 officer Alex Hawke is directly in his line of fire. But Spider isn't the only ex-intelligence operative with a grudge. Texan colonel Beau Beauregard founded an inter-national mercenary fighting force that gave him both worldwide prestige and a sizeable fortune. Now he's lost it all as clients like the U.S., Russia, and China, blame him for amassing an army of hired renegade killers rather than soldiers. Beau sets his sights set on enemy spies who've betrayed him. In Russia, Vladimir Putin is determined to forge his country into a formidable superpower once more. He'll stop at nothing to realize his global fantasies--including shooting down a Russian Aeroflot airliner full of men, women, and children. Meanwhile, Putin's Kremlin scientists are developing a radical new weapon that could forever alter modern warfare. NATO knows Putin will not hesitate to use it. But they feel powerless while they're locked in a tense standoff as Russian Army forces are arrayed on Eastern Europe's borders. Only one man can bring the world back from this apocalyptic brink: Alex Hawke.
September 14, 2015
Lord Alex Hawke has it all. He’s rich, British (which women always seem to love) and one of the top agents in the MI6. He even has a fireman’s pole leading from his bedroom straight down into the ocean, which is something I’m personally jealous of!
Patriot was my very first Alex Hawke adventure and a book I was really excited about. I’m happy to report that it surpassed every expectation I had going into it, and then some. I was completely blown away. Of all the great new books this year, this is one of the best. It’s right up there my other favorites: The Survivor, Code of Conduct and Clear by Fire.
To start with, I just cannot get enough of Ted Bell, the wonderful author who has penned nine Hawke novels and a plethora of other books during his brilliant career. In Hawke, Bell has created a character that reads like equal parts James Bond and Dirk Pit mixed � or shaken, not stirred� together.
I was afraid that I might not get a good feel for the characters and their chemistry without reading the other books in the series first. Surprisingly, that wasn’t the case at all. Bell does a good job recapping things in a fresh manner, getting new readers like myself up to speed right away.
The book opens with random people dying on opposite ends of the globe from what appears to be natural causes. Hawke quickly learns two things: First, the victims aren’t random; they both have ties to the CIA. Second, their deaths weren’t from natural causes. They were murdered, and Alex quickly zeroed in on suspect number one � Spider Payne.
Spider is also a former operative of the CIA, and he has a serious axe to grind with members of the agency whom he believes hung him out to dry when he needed them most. But more on him in a minute�
Bell might very well be the most talented author in the genre today. Some writers make a living because of their ability to craft action scenes, while others specialize in accurately describing locations and settings. Bell is well rounded and able to do both at an expert level � while also developing his characters and plot at blazing speeds. You’ll be turning pages faster than Hawke drives his luxury sports cars!
Back to Spider who, like I said, has a real bone to pick with some people that work for the world’s most notorious spy agency. Hawke develops a plan to lure him out of hiding, though it’s less of a plan and more making himself bait for the killer to come after. Either way, I found the following chapters riveting and some of the book’s best.
As it turns out, Hawke has much bigger problems than Spider. An old friend named Vladimir Putin (yes, that Putin) tells him about a new type of explosive that Russia has developed. Without giving away too much, Russia’s new weapon has the ability to cause incomprehensible devastation and destruction. While the entire planet is terrified of the Russian President, Hawke goes toe-to-toe with him.
Alex Hawke is a fascinating character, and Bell has added some very compelling secondary characters to go along with him. One of my favorites is Crystal, a smokin� hot chick who is as dangerous as she is beautiful. For longtime fans of the series, I’m sure you’ll recognize more than a few names and faces along the way.
Why I loved this book
Ted Bell paints such a beautiful picture with his words that I almost felt as though I was traveling the world with Lord Hawke. For instance, several scenes take place on board a sailboat in Maine. I’ve never been sailing a day in my life, but after reading those chapters the location struck me as so beautiful that I told my wife we should plan a vacation there. I want to breathe the crisp air Mr. Bell described, and experience the beautiful colors in person.
I really cannot adequately describe just how impressed I am with Bell’s talent. Reading his books is like watching Michael Jordan play basketball in his prime. I’ve always enjoyed watching people who are the best in the world at their profession, and Bell is without question one of the most talented writers on the planet.
Hawke, a British intelligence officer and former Royal Navy combat pilot, is a deliciously wonderful character. He’s one of the richest men in all of England, and he’s handsome, witty and pretty much everything else men want to be � and that women wish their men were. However, Hawke is also flawed, beyond just his penchant for Bermudian rum and American cigarettes. For all his larger than life tendencies, he still has a human element to him that I really enjoyed.
With most books, I can predict the ending well before the final chapters, but not with this one. Patriot had me guessing until the very end. In a day when most authors seem to just recycle the same ideas over and over again, Bell delivered a fresh plot that will stun readers and keep them awake, happily reading until the thrilling conclusion.
About the Author
Ted Bell’s resume is stuffed full of numerous accomplishments and accolades. Here’s a portion from his official website:
Ted Bell, now a bestselling novelist, was one of the leading talents in advertising, having won every award the industry offers, including numerous Clios and Cannes Gold Lions, and, as Worldwide Creative Director of Y&R, the Grand Prix at the prestigious Cannes Festival. A native Floridian, Bell graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia and is a former member of the college’s Board of Trustees. Bell began his advertising career at Doyle Dane Bernbach, New York, as a junior copywriter in the early seventies.
Bell holds an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Kendall College in Michigan. Ted is an Adjunct Professor of English Literature at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. He is a former Trustee of Randolph-Macon College. He is also a member of DOCA, a program run by the Department of Defense in support of America’s military. He served on the Board at General Washington’s Home at Mt. Vernon, a group chaired by former Secretary of the Army, Togo West. He also served for a time as an advisor to the Undersecretary for Domestic Relations at the U.S. Department of State
In 2011, he was elected a Writer In Residence and Visiting Scholar at Cambridge University (UK). He studied at the Political and International Relations Department of the University.
Book Details:
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Series: Alex Hawke Novels (Book 9)
Hardcover: 544 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (September 15, 2015)
I want to thank Ted Bell for sending me an early copy of Patriot to review, I can’t recommend it enough to fans of thrillers. You can get it wherever books are sold on Tuesday, or pre-order it here.
Because I always love end things on a quote, I took this from Mr. Bell’s Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ page. When asked where he got the idea for Patriot, Bell responded: “Putin’s bad behavior. I dealt with him in TSAR and cut him a lot of slack. Now, I took my slack back.â€�
Trust me, he did indeed take that slack back!
Patriot was my very first Alex Hawke adventure and a book I was really excited about. I’m happy to report that it surpassed every expectation I had going into it, and then some. I was completely blown away. Of all the great new books this year, this is one of the best. It’s right up there my other favorites: The Survivor, Code of Conduct and Clear by Fire.
To start with, I just cannot get enough of Ted Bell, the wonderful author who has penned nine Hawke novels and a plethora of other books during his brilliant career. In Hawke, Bell has created a character that reads like equal parts James Bond and Dirk Pit mixed � or shaken, not stirred� together.
I was afraid that I might not get a good feel for the characters and their chemistry without reading the other books in the series first. Surprisingly, that wasn’t the case at all. Bell does a good job recapping things in a fresh manner, getting new readers like myself up to speed right away.
The book opens with random people dying on opposite ends of the globe from what appears to be natural causes. Hawke quickly learns two things: First, the victims aren’t random; they both have ties to the CIA. Second, their deaths weren’t from natural causes. They were murdered, and Alex quickly zeroed in on suspect number one � Spider Payne.
Spider is also a former operative of the CIA, and he has a serious axe to grind with members of the agency whom he believes hung him out to dry when he needed them most. But more on him in a minute�
Bell might very well be the most talented author in the genre today. Some writers make a living because of their ability to craft action scenes, while others specialize in accurately describing locations and settings. Bell is well rounded and able to do both at an expert level � while also developing his characters and plot at blazing speeds. You’ll be turning pages faster than Hawke drives his luxury sports cars!
Back to Spider who, like I said, has a real bone to pick with some people that work for the world’s most notorious spy agency. Hawke develops a plan to lure him out of hiding, though it’s less of a plan and more making himself bait for the killer to come after. Either way, I found the following chapters riveting and some of the book’s best.
As it turns out, Hawke has much bigger problems than Spider. An old friend named Vladimir Putin (yes, that Putin) tells him about a new type of explosive that Russia has developed. Without giving away too much, Russia’s new weapon has the ability to cause incomprehensible devastation and destruction. While the entire planet is terrified of the Russian President, Hawke goes toe-to-toe with him.
Alex Hawke is a fascinating character, and Bell has added some very compelling secondary characters to go along with him. One of my favorites is Crystal, a smokin� hot chick who is as dangerous as she is beautiful. For longtime fans of the series, I’m sure you’ll recognize more than a few names and faces along the way.
Why I loved this book
Ted Bell paints such a beautiful picture with his words that I almost felt as though I was traveling the world with Lord Hawke. For instance, several scenes take place on board a sailboat in Maine. I’ve never been sailing a day in my life, but after reading those chapters the location struck me as so beautiful that I told my wife we should plan a vacation there. I want to breathe the crisp air Mr. Bell described, and experience the beautiful colors in person.
I really cannot adequately describe just how impressed I am with Bell’s talent. Reading his books is like watching Michael Jordan play basketball in his prime. I’ve always enjoyed watching people who are the best in the world at their profession, and Bell is without question one of the most talented writers on the planet.
Hawke, a British intelligence officer and former Royal Navy combat pilot, is a deliciously wonderful character. He’s one of the richest men in all of England, and he’s handsome, witty and pretty much everything else men want to be � and that women wish their men were. However, Hawke is also flawed, beyond just his penchant for Bermudian rum and American cigarettes. For all his larger than life tendencies, he still has a human element to him that I really enjoyed.
With most books, I can predict the ending well before the final chapters, but not with this one. Patriot had me guessing until the very end. In a day when most authors seem to just recycle the same ideas over and over again, Bell delivered a fresh plot that will stun readers and keep them awake, happily reading until the thrilling conclusion.
About the Author
Ted Bell’s resume is stuffed full of numerous accomplishments and accolades. Here’s a portion from his official website:
Ted Bell, now a bestselling novelist, was one of the leading talents in advertising, having won every award the industry offers, including numerous Clios and Cannes Gold Lions, and, as Worldwide Creative Director of Y&R, the Grand Prix at the prestigious Cannes Festival. A native Floridian, Bell graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia and is a former member of the college’s Board of Trustees. Bell began his advertising career at Doyle Dane Bernbach, New York, as a junior copywriter in the early seventies.
Bell holds an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Kendall College in Michigan. Ted is an Adjunct Professor of English Literature at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. He is a former Trustee of Randolph-Macon College. He is also a member of DOCA, a program run by the Department of Defense in support of America’s military. He served on the Board at General Washington’s Home at Mt. Vernon, a group chaired by former Secretary of the Army, Togo West. He also served for a time as an advisor to the Undersecretary for Domestic Relations at the U.S. Department of State
In 2011, he was elected a Writer In Residence and Visiting Scholar at Cambridge University (UK). He studied at the Political and International Relations Department of the University.
Book Details:
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Series: Alex Hawke Novels (Book 9)
Hardcover: 544 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (September 15, 2015)
I want to thank Ted Bell for sending me an early copy of Patriot to review, I can’t recommend it enough to fans of thrillers. You can get it wherever books are sold on Tuesday, or pre-order it here.
Because I always love end things on a quote, I took this from Mr. Bell’s Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ page. When asked where he got the idea for Patriot, Bell responded: “Putin’s bad behavior. I dealt with him in TSAR and cut him a lot of slack. Now, I took my slack back.â€�
Trust me, he did indeed take that slack back!
February 2, 2021
I felt that in many ways the book was poorly written. A few pages describe a nonsensical trip to Siberia with old spy's in the snow and cold, on horses.... Some of the scenes were good and exciting, others confusing. I never felt the love between Putin and Hawke. It seemed like an over the top relationship. I hope that the next book is better
July 24, 2021
Good action sequences, some perhaps a bit over the top. Good character development for the most part. But the plot was totally ridiculous & unbelievable and a key character was a rip off of the Iron Man 3 movie (with the Mandarin as an actor). My first and last Alex Hawke book.
November 3, 2015
Who is the real patriot in Ted Bell’s 2015 novel by the same title? Spoiler alert number one: Possible answers to that question don’t appear until page 504. Spoiler alert number two: it’s on that page and in that entire 80th chapter that this Alexander Hawke geopolitical thriller makes a 180 degree turn. A major plot twist. I dare say, you will not see it coming.
Having read and reviewed three previous Alex Hawke adventures in Bell’s series, I came away from this one with several impressions. First, Hawke must be getting ready to retire. In this 529-page, 83-chapter thrill-ride, the Hawkemeister rarely appears. At least not in the roles we expect. After the opening chapter, the MI6 operative doesn’t get his hands dirty much. Hawke appears here as more of a puppet master. Directing the action on stage from back stage. His bromance with Russia’s Vladimir Putin is the underlying theme here.
A second impression. As I’ve noted in at least one previous Ted Bell review, the author goes to great lengths to dazzle the reader with the most expensive hotels, wines, watches, fast cars, fast boats, fast airplanes, fast thoroughbred horses, fast women, exclusive gentlemen clubs, exclusive yacht clubs, fancy smantzy wearing apparel, even pricey delicacies like Mackays Three Fruit Marmalade and Smithfield ham. Not to mention all the high powered weaponry like the Glock 226 pistol or the HK MP5 machine gun. How many of Ted Bell’s readers can afford to shop at Tyson’s Corner Mall in McLean, Fairfax County? How many could afford the rent at Hickory Hill, the Ethel and Bobby Kennedy estate? Bell’s characters hang out here in five star barracks like the Hotel LeBristol, Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo or do lunch at the Nebo Lodge in Rockland, Maine. The “Patriot� is loaded with exotic people, places and things. On almost every page. Very James Bond-like. And very real. I dare say every single reference Bell makes in this fictional spy caper to people, places and things is non-fiction. They all do exist in real life. I know. I kept score. I did the research. There really is a Raffles Bar in Singapore, (see page 157). There really is a Cuban Coffee Queen eatery on Margaret Street in Key West, Florida, (see page 490). There really is an SM300/3 submarine, (see page 198). There really is a ZSU23-4 weapon system, (see page 408). It all gives “Patriot� an air of authenticity and credibility.
There’s a third impression. Bell knows his current events and recent world history extremely well. When Bell’s characters discuss Washington D.C. leaders who “seem to have trouble everywhere they turn� and are presiding over a nation at its “weakest state in a century,� it’s almost like watching tonight’s headlines on CNN or Fox News. When Hawke and Putin describe China as “globally ascendant� and America “descendant,� it hits awfully close to home. When General Vasily Krakov outlines Putin’s vision for “a new and glorious Soviet Empire,� we’re reminded of Russian power grabs in the Crimea and the Ukraine. In fact, when Putin summarizes the administrative record of Bell’s fictional US President Rosow, he could be talking about the current occupant of the White House. Bell did, indeed, rip this one from the headlines.
Along with Hawke, many of Bell’s usual suspects reappear in the pages of “Patriot.� Stokley Jones, Jr. is back. So is Sir David Trulove, Harry Brock. Ambrose Congreve, Pelham Grenville, Nell Spooner and her protectee, Hawke’s five-year-old son, Alexei. There are a lot of colorful characters here to keep you turning the pages. However, I have to mark this one down a notch or two. For me, the plot twist and what happens after the reversal was just too much to swallow. The other demerit? Naming one of Colonel Brett Beauregard’s female assassins “Crystal Methune.� Seriously, Ted. Was that supposed to be a joke?
Having read and reviewed three previous Alex Hawke adventures in Bell’s series, I came away from this one with several impressions. First, Hawke must be getting ready to retire. In this 529-page, 83-chapter thrill-ride, the Hawkemeister rarely appears. At least not in the roles we expect. After the opening chapter, the MI6 operative doesn’t get his hands dirty much. Hawke appears here as more of a puppet master. Directing the action on stage from back stage. His bromance with Russia’s Vladimir Putin is the underlying theme here.
A second impression. As I’ve noted in at least one previous Ted Bell review, the author goes to great lengths to dazzle the reader with the most expensive hotels, wines, watches, fast cars, fast boats, fast airplanes, fast thoroughbred horses, fast women, exclusive gentlemen clubs, exclusive yacht clubs, fancy smantzy wearing apparel, even pricey delicacies like Mackays Three Fruit Marmalade and Smithfield ham. Not to mention all the high powered weaponry like the Glock 226 pistol or the HK MP5 machine gun. How many of Ted Bell’s readers can afford to shop at Tyson’s Corner Mall in McLean, Fairfax County? How many could afford the rent at Hickory Hill, the Ethel and Bobby Kennedy estate? Bell’s characters hang out here in five star barracks like the Hotel LeBristol, Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo or do lunch at the Nebo Lodge in Rockland, Maine. The “Patriot� is loaded with exotic people, places and things. On almost every page. Very James Bond-like. And very real. I dare say every single reference Bell makes in this fictional spy caper to people, places and things is non-fiction. They all do exist in real life. I know. I kept score. I did the research. There really is a Raffles Bar in Singapore, (see page 157). There really is a Cuban Coffee Queen eatery on Margaret Street in Key West, Florida, (see page 490). There really is an SM300/3 submarine, (see page 198). There really is a ZSU23-4 weapon system, (see page 408). It all gives “Patriot� an air of authenticity and credibility.
There’s a third impression. Bell knows his current events and recent world history extremely well. When Bell’s characters discuss Washington D.C. leaders who “seem to have trouble everywhere they turn� and are presiding over a nation at its “weakest state in a century,� it’s almost like watching tonight’s headlines on CNN or Fox News. When Hawke and Putin describe China as “globally ascendant� and America “descendant,� it hits awfully close to home. When General Vasily Krakov outlines Putin’s vision for “a new and glorious Soviet Empire,� we’re reminded of Russian power grabs in the Crimea and the Ukraine. In fact, when Putin summarizes the administrative record of Bell’s fictional US President Rosow, he could be talking about the current occupant of the White House. Bell did, indeed, rip this one from the headlines.
Along with Hawke, many of Bell’s usual suspects reappear in the pages of “Patriot.� Stokley Jones, Jr. is back. So is Sir David Trulove, Harry Brock. Ambrose Congreve, Pelham Grenville, Nell Spooner and her protectee, Hawke’s five-year-old son, Alexei. There are a lot of colorful characters here to keep you turning the pages. However, I have to mark this one down a notch or two. For me, the plot twist and what happens after the reversal was just too much to swallow. The other demerit? Naming one of Colonel Brett Beauregard’s female assassins “Crystal Methune.� Seriously, Ted. Was that supposed to be a joke?
April 26, 2016
Ted Bell returns with another Alex Hawke thriller, full of espionage and political drama. When spies around the world turn up dead, Lord Alex Hawke and his partner, Ambrose Congreve, begin investigating. What looks like an old CIA vendetta may have larger implications for Hawke and his entire family, especially after an attack at his home in Bermuda and a potential honey trap by a mysterious woman who matches the description of someone seen at each of the murders. With the investigation heating up, there is a covert attempt to poison young Alexei Hawke, leaving Alex no choice but to place his son in protective custody. As Hawke approaches Russian President Putin, who is close to one of the murdered spies, the power-hungry leader shows off a new and powerful weapon that he's recently added to his cache. Meanwhile, an American mercenary is summoned to the barren wastelands of Siberia to meet with a Russian known only as 'Uncle Joe', with plans to build an international fighting force to do Putin's bidding, while offering plausible deniability to the authoritarian. Hawke soon discovers that Putin's interests are sinister and that the weapon he was shown is at the heart of a land-grab that could see NATO countries fall and a return of the Soviet Empire, all while putting the blame on the United States. Can Hawke stop things before a new war emerges, sure to bring the West to its knees? Bell amps up the action and casts Hawke in the light of a determined saviour of freedom in this latest instalment to the series.
While not his best work, Bell has an effective means of transmitting the Alex Hawke character to his readers. While I have mentioned that the entire Hawke persona grates on my nerves at times, the story does advance well. Use of a handful of key characters, some of whom suffer mortal peril, allows the larger series story to advance, while not detracting from the novel's impetus. Bell has a handle on the narrative and can spin numerous storylines before having them converge in a seamless manner. That he parachutes famous political figures into the middle of the story and treats them as just another character shows how relaxed he has become with his own writing, which may intrigue or annoy the reader. I remain a fan, though find myself trying not to get caught up in the minutiae as Bell seeks to create a new James Bond out of his protagonist.
Kudos, Mr. Bell for another successful novel. You capture the idea of a new Cold War effectively, in a time when other authors remain obsessed with ISIS and and cross-cultural terrorism.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
While not his best work, Bell has an effective means of transmitting the Alex Hawke character to his readers. While I have mentioned that the entire Hawke persona grates on my nerves at times, the story does advance well. Use of a handful of key characters, some of whom suffer mortal peril, allows the larger series story to advance, while not detracting from the novel's impetus. Bell has a handle on the narrative and can spin numerous storylines before having them converge in a seamless manner. That he parachutes famous political figures into the middle of the story and treats them as just another character shows how relaxed he has become with his own writing, which may intrigue or annoy the reader. I remain a fan, though find myself trying not to get caught up in the minutiae as Bell seeks to create a new James Bond out of his protagonist.
Kudos, Mr. Bell for another successful novel. You capture the idea of a new Cold War effectively, in a time when other authors remain obsessed with ISIS and and cross-cultural terrorism.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
February 22, 2017
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it has a lot of action (a requirement for a thriller) and intrigue. On the other hand, it also has a lot of talking and perspective switching. The inconsistencies are jarring at the best of times and confusing the remainder. I don't think this was my kind of book, but I know there are several people that will enjoy it.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
August 26, 2015
Actually 4.5/5
Patriot by Ted Bell is the ninth book in his Alexander Hawke series and the first I have read, however I plan to go back and begin from book one. Bell is an excellent writer of espionage and I am thrilled to have finally discovered his books, better late than never. For those, like myself, who are new to the series, Lord Alexander Hawke is an MI6 Intelligence officer who, at least in this book, deals with counterterrorism. Spies are being assassinated around the world and Hawke is called in to uncover not only the link between the assassinations, but who or what is behind them. Even though this is Bell’s ninth book about Alex Hawke, he does offer up some back-story for those of us new to his books without adding information that would bore long time followers of the series. Patriot is a lengthy book, which I enjoy, and I will freely admit I did read the book in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoy well-written espionage thrillers, especially when they include factual and realistic events, as Bell does with Patriot. It did not take me long to feel as though I was traveling the globe with Hawke and I personally look forward to starting the series from the beginning. I highly recommend Patriot to those long time readers of Ted Bell’s and those new to the series and to anyone who enjoys an exceedingly well written, espionage thriller.
September 5, 2016
Another solid Hawke book. Take James Bond, give him a fun, dependable crew of friends and a pirate ancestry, mix in a strong Wodehouse and Doyle influence, and you've got Alex Hawke.
I've read all nine books in the series and at this point, you know what you're going to get. "Spy" & "Tsar" are probably the best two in the series but they are all compulsively readable. While the last couple entries don't quite merit the praise of those two, Ted Bell is just good at what he does. I've heard some people complain that Bell is just going through the motions. I don't see it. The dialogue is lighter than the earlier novels and he clearly doesn't take himself near as serious, but these books are well worth the read.
"Patriot" centers around Hawke's friendship with Vladimir Putin. One thing that was almost comical about the story is the thinly veiled Obama character. The old Cowboy President that basically amalgamated Reagan and GW Bush is gone and now it's a weak loser President that Bell definitely modelled based on a worst case scenario version of Obama. He's a nice guy but Bell makes him completely impotent.
Anyway, not surprisingly, Hawke, Stoke, Congreve, and Brock have to save the day themselves. Its fun. Whereas the last book dropped gobs of Poe references throughout, this one sprinkles a couple Frost references in, which is kinda cool.
4 Stars
I've read all nine books in the series and at this point, you know what you're going to get. "Spy" & "Tsar" are probably the best two in the series but they are all compulsively readable. While the last couple entries don't quite merit the praise of those two, Ted Bell is just good at what he does. I've heard some people complain that Bell is just going through the motions. I don't see it. The dialogue is lighter than the earlier novels and he clearly doesn't take himself near as serious, but these books are well worth the read.
"Patriot" centers around Hawke's friendship with Vladimir Putin. One thing that was almost comical about the story is the thinly veiled Obama character. The old Cowboy President that basically amalgamated Reagan and GW Bush is gone and now it's a weak loser President that Bell definitely modelled based on a worst case scenario version of Obama. He's a nice guy but Bell makes him completely impotent.
Anyway, not surprisingly, Hawke, Stoke, Congreve, and Brock have to save the day themselves. Its fun. Whereas the last book dropped gobs of Poe references throughout, this one sprinkles a couple Frost references in, which is kinda cool.
4 Stars
October 2, 2015
The genera of this series is somewhere between Action and Tongue-in-Cheek. (It reminds me of Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt novels.) It’s not quite a comic book, but definitely a ‘lite� read� � and I only read Bell when I’m in the mood. OK. I know it’s not REAL � but it’s fun. I really enjoy the series. "Here we go again. Alex Hawke saving the world, one madman at a time."
Bell’s characters maybe over the top � but they’re certainly interesting. Lord Alexander Hawke � the 6th richest man in the UK � is super cool. (His yacht is secretly a warship!) His buddy, Ambrose Congreve, is a Sherlock Holmes-like character. Another buddy, Stokely Jones, is the stereotypical (actually more cliché) ex-Navy Seal/NFL ballplayer from Harlem. In this episode, Hawke parries strikes from his ‘friend� Vladimir Putin. And (the apparent right-leaning) Bell, throws off comments regarding very current geopolitical issues with proclamations like �.. and our military is running on fumes. Our friends don’t trust us and our enemies don’t fear us.�
As far as the writing goes, sometimes it’s good and sometimes is corny. (The story has a lot of moving parts � almost too many � and the ending is wanting.) While it’s not “great literature�, I certainly wish I could write as well.
Bell’s characters maybe over the top � but they’re certainly interesting. Lord Alexander Hawke � the 6th richest man in the UK � is super cool. (His yacht is secretly a warship!) His buddy, Ambrose Congreve, is a Sherlock Holmes-like character. Another buddy, Stokely Jones, is the stereotypical (actually more cliché) ex-Navy Seal/NFL ballplayer from Harlem. In this episode, Hawke parries strikes from his ‘friend� Vladimir Putin. And (the apparent right-leaning) Bell, throws off comments regarding very current geopolitical issues with proclamations like �.. and our military is running on fumes. Our friends don’t trust us and our enemies don’t fear us.�
As far as the writing goes, sometimes it’s good and sometimes is corny. (The story has a lot of moving parts � almost too many � and the ending is wanting.) While it’s not “great literature�, I certainly wish I could write as well.
July 3, 2016
I've been a huge fan of Bell and his Hawke series for years, but I may be officially departing the band wagon. This was the most disjointed adventure story I've ever read (and I read a lot)!
The dialogue was practically unintelligible a majority of the time. While, by now, the core characters should be familiar to Hawke fans, the development in this story was nonexistent. In fact, I often felt that the members of this beloved team were unrecognizable in their actions and attitudes.
I could go on and on about the inconsistencies (my favorite was one instance where Harry Brock is holding Alexei's dog in the front seat of the car and the very next paragraph says the dog is in the backseat) but there truly are too many to discuss.
I spent nearly the whole book wondering if Ted Bell was using a ghost writer, all the while forcing myself to finish it. The story ends with a vague cliffhanger type finish, but I don't think I'll be tuning in to find out the conclusion. I'd rather go back and reread the first 5 or 6 stories, where I fell in love with Alex and crew.
The dialogue was practically unintelligible a majority of the time. While, by now, the core characters should be familiar to Hawke fans, the development in this story was nonexistent. In fact, I often felt that the members of this beloved team were unrecognizable in their actions and attitudes.
I could go on and on about the inconsistencies (my favorite was one instance where Harry Brock is holding Alexei's dog in the front seat of the car and the very next paragraph says the dog is in the backseat) but there truly are too many to discuss.
I spent nearly the whole book wondering if Ted Bell was using a ghost writer, all the while forcing myself to finish it. The story ends with a vague cliffhanger type finish, but I don't think I'll be tuning in to find out the conclusion. I'd rather go back and reread the first 5 or 6 stories, where I fell in love with Alex and crew.
May 25, 2017
I could just about enjoy this improbable spy thriller where the main spy tried to be cool and witty while a whole raft of scenarios were dealt with--from escaping naked through the jungle to bombing a kid's birthday party and on and on, while our man's buddy Putin begins to take over the world with the help of an American shooting down a passenger plane in Siberia--BUT I lost it when the right wing Republican rant drowned out any semblance of a plot. The ignorance expressed in this screed has pervaded my country and culminated in the election of a clown to lead them. I had to stop listening.
September 26, 2015
(2 1/2) Wow. The world is going to implode.......Who ya gonna call? Alex Hawke of course. No crisis too big for handsome, dashing Al. No attack unsurmountabe, no evil ruler is going to stand in his way, no weak kneed president will be a problem for this superman. These books are full of action, try to have a tender touch and yet are more preposterous than about anything you can read. But obviously, many of us mystery/thriller nuts wait for each and every one. It is just in our DNA. These stories are too wild to let them ride off into the sunset. Giddyup!
October 21, 2015
A bit convoluted in terms of story, I think mainly because we jumped around to various characters and didn't see much developement with who the main characters have become. In the earlier books the characters continued to develope, here it seemed as if two different ideas were in play and two different stories. I don't know if there's a companion story for Col. Beuregar, but his story seemed to be the main focal point and then it aburptly stopped and turned to Putin v. Hawke, with little or no mention of the Col. again. Just two much going on here to be truely enjoyable.
December 23, 2015
Another story that would probably been have been better served listening to an abridged version--way too long! Also, not a fan of putting children and innocents in harms way. No big ending--which I enjoy--and really left the characters hanging in anticipation of the next installment of the Alex Hawke series. Always enjoy the comic relief of Stokely Jones! 4 out of 10.
Want to read
August 13, 2017Yay! Looks like I won this is the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Giveaways. Now, I have to hurry up and start reading the series.. I am so behind on this stuff. :(
October 10, 2015
Great action, liked the use of contemporary news and events in the story. Impressed with all the plots lines that were woven in the book. I think this character would make a great movie.
October 21, 2015
Lord Hawke uses his tenuous relationship with Putin to investigate threats against global stability. A modern swashbuckling adventure with well developed characters.
November 6, 2015
I've read all of the Alex Hawke books. This is the worst. Dialogue is not realistic. Technical mistakes. Seemed rushed at the end. I had to force myself to finish it
February 28, 2025
Right wing drivel.
April 15, 2018
Not the best Hawke book but certainly very good
October 3, 2021
Well I'm finished with Patriot.
An interesting plot to say the least.
CIA personal dying in the states and abroad under questionable conditions.
What is really going on????
Russian President Vladimir Putin, has dreams of restoring Russia 🇷🇺 to her former glory, but at what cost?
Well everything that is happening has been set in motion by Putin.
Unbeknownst to everyone else.
But, Alex Hawke is not having it.
Although he and Putin are comrades, Hawke will do whatever it takes to keep the United States 🇺🇸 & England 🇬🇧 safe.
By any means necessary.
So let the games,Begin!!! It's not for the faint of heart, either.
From Florida to Cuba 🇨🇺 to Siberia, its all in a days work. Because under no circumstances, will Putin ever be allowed to restore Mother Russia to her former glory. Those days are OVER.
Periodt...
Putin has alot of tricks and smoke up his sleeve. He has brought out all the stops, put all the cards on the table.
If only he can pull it off, before he is found out.
From shooting down an civilian airplane �, to blowing up an electrical plant in Miami, to putting a hit out on Alexi (alex Hawke's son), to blowing up a sunken submarine on the ocean sea bottom.
All diversion by Putin, so he can send forces into Estonia 🇪🇪 and surrounding borders of Russia 🇷🇺.
With the intent of making Russia a world 🌎 power again.
Wrong game plan, because Alex,Stoke and his entourage of merry men have something in store, and it's not going to be pleasant.
Russia 🇷🇺 will learn TODAY....
Make no mistake about it, its going DOWN!!!
No prisoners taken....
Gotcha, didn't I. It got me too.
I immensely enjoyed the Patriot.
Can't wait to start the next one, Warriors. Opps, read out of order. Warrior came before Patriot. 🤬
Of course, I'll let you know my thoughts.
Until my next review, Happy Reading 📚!!!!
Ciao 💋
An interesting plot to say the least.
CIA personal dying in the states and abroad under questionable conditions.
What is really going on????
Russian President Vladimir Putin, has dreams of restoring Russia 🇷🇺 to her former glory, but at what cost?
Well everything that is happening has been set in motion by Putin.
Unbeknownst to everyone else.
But, Alex Hawke is not having it.
Although he and Putin are comrades, Hawke will do whatever it takes to keep the United States 🇺🇸 & England 🇬🇧 safe.
By any means necessary.
So let the games,Begin!!! It's not for the faint of heart, either.
From Florida to Cuba 🇨🇺 to Siberia, its all in a days work. Because under no circumstances, will Putin ever be allowed to restore Mother Russia to her former glory. Those days are OVER.
Periodt...
Putin has alot of tricks and smoke up his sleeve. He has brought out all the stops, put all the cards on the table.
If only he can pull it off, before he is found out.
From shooting down an civilian airplane �, to blowing up an electrical plant in Miami, to putting a hit out on Alexi (alex Hawke's son), to blowing up a sunken submarine on the ocean sea bottom.
All diversion by Putin, so he can send forces into Estonia 🇪🇪 and surrounding borders of Russia 🇷🇺.
With the intent of making Russia a world 🌎 power again.
Wrong game plan, because Alex,Stoke and his entourage of merry men have something in store, and it's not going to be pleasant.
Russia 🇷🇺 will learn TODAY....
Make no mistake about it, its going DOWN!!!
No prisoners taken....
Gotcha, didn't I. It got me too.
I immensely enjoyed the Patriot.
Can't wait to start the next one, Warriors. Opps, read out of order. Warrior came before Patriot. 🤬
Of course, I'll let you know my thoughts.
Until my next review, Happy Reading 📚!!!!
Ciao 💋
December 27, 2016
Alexander Hawke is a very wealthy and very skilled special operative. Despite most of the books in this series referencing James Bond in the review blurbs, I think a more apt comparison would be Bruce Wayne of Batman fame. Upfront I recognize this isn't like for like given Hawke operates in plain sight as Hawke rather than in an alter ego costume. The series also includes a number of characters who often work with Hawke, where Batman often operates on his own. However, both have a painful past and a deep sense of right and wrong. This book brought to light the fact that both could be considered vigilantes if looked at in certain lights. In both cases there is a bit of the ridiculous in their adventures and as I reader/consumer, I am willing to suspend disbelief in order to enjoy the ride.
This book was classic Hawke. It featured an interaction with a world leader where the balance of the world hangs on Hawke's abilities. There's gun fights where most are injured but Hawke comes out unscathed. Buxom assassins as well as deranged mobsters make a showing. It's certainly more summer-blockbuster than Oscar season fare in terms of the human experience, but thoroughly entertaining for those who have invested in the first 8 books of the series.
This book was classic Hawke. It featured an interaction with a world leader where the balance of the world hangs on Hawke's abilities. There's gun fights where most are injured but Hawke comes out unscathed. Buxom assassins as well as deranged mobsters make a showing. It's certainly more summer-blockbuster than Oscar season fare in terms of the human experience, but thoroughly entertaining for those who have invested in the first 8 books of the series.
September 26, 2017
A voraciously spellbinding spy thriller. Once you begin the book, you will temporarily forget all else that you may have been thinking about until after you turn the last page. And with hundreds of pages, be prepared to burn the midnight candle. Every few years a seasoned author composes a riveting manuscript such as this which qualifies for a rating well above five stars. The page-turning action takes place at various cities throughout the world, but keys in on Putin in Moscow.
May 2, 2019
I did enjoy the book, however, it did seem to be a little bit more wordy than the previous Alex Hawke books that I have read. I was especially surprised by the explanation by the character named "Fat" in Chapter 79, when he described the current state of our military. He was right on with that explanation an it applies to all of our military, across the board. This explanation doesn't apply to all in our military, but I would say it does apply to the majority.
Read
July 29, 2019The author takes a serious subject of Russian aggression and makes it almost a comedy. Top CIA and MI6 operatives battle it out with top Russian operatives and the CIA kill with perfect head shots while the Russian can't hit the broad side of a barn. Also at the brink of war British agents hop on a train and take a five day ride from St Petersburg to Siberia...so much for urgency. There is more silliness. Maybe a 2.5 rating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.