The Bottom Line: The Russians are back in this full-throttle revenge thriller. Brad Thor proves that even after 19 entries, his Scot Harvath series still has plenty of fuel left in the tank.
The cliffhanger ending in Brad Thor’s previous Scot Horvath entry, Spymaster, made Backlash one of the year’s most hotly anticipated books. The new novel, Thor’s 19th in the series, picks up where Spymaster leaves off.
The book opens with a revelation of tragedy, as Harvath’s love interest and others are murdered in a supposed safe haven. More interestingly, the killings were carried out at the behest of the Russian president. Will Brad Thor be able to prove it? Or will he simply enact personal vengeance?
To carry out either act, he’ll have to escape. Harvath has been captured and taken to Russia. Now, far from home and surrounded by his enemy, Scot Harvath must battle his way out. With no support, no cavalry coming, and no one even aware of where he is, it will take everything he has ever learned to survive.
Thor fans will absolutely love Backlash for the book’s sheer inventiveness. Harvath’s complete lack of resources and allies in the book’s opening chapters read like a snowy, extreme version of Survivor.
The Audiobook edition is read by Armand Schultz, providing some narrative consistency with the last few series entries.
Newcomers will be lost, so at the minimum, tackle #18 prior to reading Backlash. Not sure you’re ready to commit to the entire series? Check out our handy ranking of the best Brad Thor thrillers!
