Firestorm audiobook

Firestorm by Taylor Moore is a crime thriller and action adventure novel that barely gives readers the chance to breathe deeply periodically. It has action, suspense, and an intensity that kept me fully engaged throughout the novel. However, this second book in the Garrett Kohl series also shows character development that isn’t always present in these types of novels. While most of the novel is set in west Texas, there are also scenes taking place in Mexico and Virginia.DEA Special Agent Garrett Kohl is on medical leave from the DEA, but that hasn’t stopped the CIA from enlisting his help in taking down a cartel boss. Upon his return home, he finds a mining operation threatens to destroy his family’s ranch. When threats and violence occur, Garrett starts investigating the Talon Corporation and enlists help from old friends and family.Garrett Kohl is a warrior and is determined to protect those he loves. He is someone that you would want to back you up if you needed help. He has been struggling with whether he wants less dangerous assignments. While he likes bringing criminals to justice, he also wants to be there for his girlfriend, her two children, and the boy he is working to adopt. One of the fascinating things that I realized as I read this novel was the character development was not limited to the main character. For instance, Lacey Capshaw (Garrett’s girlfriend), Asadi Saleem (a foster child), and Ray Smitty (a confidential informant) have depth and show significant character growth over the course of the story.Diverse characterization, exciting scenes, and great world-building details also helped pull this reader into the conflicts in the novel. The author captures the characters, as well as the cultural lifestyles and traditions and brings them to life. Fluid writing and fantastic world building, as well as an excellent, fast-paced plot will keep readers engaged. The well-plotted story stays at a high level of intensity throughout most of the novel. Was the action over-the-top at times? Yes. Did I care? No. Danger, assaults, deaths, teamwork, love, corruption, family, legal battles, and friendship are woven into the story line.Overall, this was an intense novel with suspense and action. If you enjoy crime thrillers, then I recommend that you check out this one. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next in this series as well as reading the first book.William Morrow and Taylor Moore provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 16, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

Taylor Moore has done it again. Firestorm the second Garrett Kohl adventure is another great, fast paced action thriller that is hard to put down. I'm sad to say I had to put it down for food and sleep. I will never stop to be surprised about the rules regarding mining and drilling in the US and I understand how it can be a problem. I am a sucker for stories about how to protect your home and loved ones and this series is getting to be one of my favorites. As a longtime fan of westerns I find it great that you can make a modern version. I wonder if we will see a trip out of the country in the next book? The foundation for it is there.

I don't read special operator fiction. Military stories, tactical encounters, Navy SEAL-type novels, they're just not my thing. But I have loved both of Taylor Moore's Texas-set barnburners. Moore elevates the genre by making Garrett Kohl imperfect and surrounds him with a cast of friends and family that leap off the page. You may come for the balls-out opening and closing set pieces--which are primed for a film or TV adaptation--but you'll stay for the nuanced depiction of fathers and sons, brothers, neighbors, and lovers.It's a hell of a read, and cements Moore's place at the top of the game. Bravo.

Book Review – Firestorm – Taylor MooreAuthor Taylor Moore’s follow up thriller – “Firestorm” to his debut novel “Down Range” was just as good if not better. Main character DEA Special Agent Garrett Kohl discovers that a powerful energy consortium, the Talon Corporation, has started an aggressive mining operation that threatens to destroy the Kohl’s Texas land and the company’s questionable roots spans into other countries around the world. Using intimidation, coercion and assassination imposed by a private army of former Russian special forces operators, Talon and the Russians are covertly working to secure the world’s supply of rare earth minerals, which will ultimately leave the U.S. vulnerable economically and militarily. The tit-for-tat exchange between Talon and the Kohls erupts into a full-scale war when a Russian spy kidnaps Kohl’s friend and coworker, a female CIA operative and holds her hostage. Talon and its Russian ‘goons’ underestimate the warrior that Garrett Kohl (a former Green Beret) is, and this is where the action begins. Kohl fights to protect his Texas land and those that he loves. This West Texas Panhandle adventure has realistic action, unrelenting suspense, a little romance, and an intense plot that kept me thrilled throughout its entirety. Moore’s diverse characterizations as well as the cultural lifestyles and Texas traditions really brought this story to life. I especially liked the Trip and Sanchez characters – both men of color – who were Kohl’s friends and cohorts in helping him take on Talon and the Russians. A fast-paced plot that was well written and skillfully told, Firestorm, Book 2 in the series, had no traces of a ‘sophomore jinx’ for author Taylor Moore. He penned a captivating and exciting second novel. Anytime an author can capture family dysfunction, danger, corporate and government corruption, violence of action, legal battles, love and romance, teamwork, and multicultural friendship into one easy to follow storyline, then that author is a pretty good writer. This was a really good read! Excited for Book 3 of the Garrett Kohl series.

READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller BooksMake sure to check out the full review

If you thought Mr. Moore's Down Range was riveting, just wait until you read this second Garrett Kohl novel. The entire second half I had to remind myself to breathe. It was gripping with so many life and death moments packed into it. What I really loved was that these are just ordinary people faced with the destruction of their land, their home, their horses. Nothing is sacred to the men who invade their ranch, not even the small family burial plot, and the judges allow it. Be very careful of the contracts you sign--especially those pertaining to what's beneath the ground. Sometimes good has a difficult time overcoming evil and sometimes being in the right isn't enough. This is high octane from beginning to end. Taylor Moore's huge talent is like a fine wine that just keeps getting better and better and I'm along for the ride all the way.

Riveting from start to finish! That's the only way I know to describe Taylor Moore's second book in the Garrett Kohl series. The story opens in the midst of a gripping confrontation with a deadly cartel boss in which bullets are flying, and bodies are falling. Folks, that's just the first chapter, and it only escalates from there. From the drug lord takedown in the first chapter to Russian espionage in the final chapters, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. Talon, a large international energy consortium, has moved into the Texas panhandle, where Garrett Kohl owns a ranch, and they possess the mineral rights to his land. That's where the trouble starts. This book is filled with pedal-to-the-metal, heart-stopping danger and action involving the CIA, DEA, and high-level governments across the globe. There are a good many characters and different points of view in this story, but each was necessary and vital to keep it moving. Knowing what each character was thinking and feeling added depth to the story without turning into head-hopping.I love how Moore interjects such strong Texas sayings and influences. For example, "Among the many things to be learned since his arrival in Texas was the cowboy code. The rules weren't written or spoken but rather lived out during everyday life." And this: "Whether it was the rusted pumpjacks to the south or the windswept ranches and farmland to the north, it was a place with a deep soul and tough-as-leather exterior."Moore's knowledge of and love for this rugged land shines through in his writing. Family loyalty, respect for and love for the godforsaken plains of Northwest Texas, and realistic, unforgettable characters are what place this pulse-pounding tale a head and shoulders above the rest. The author put in just enough backstory that any reader wouldn't be lost by starting the series with this book. However, I do highly recommend reading "Down Range" first. If you are a fan of edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this series is for you!

If you like cowboys who are secret DEA agents, and lots of action, then this series is for you!

Very good story covering modern and relevant topics. 👏

2nd book in the Garrett Cole series and I really love it. The west Texas backdrop, the characters are great. The plot is good. I like everything about this series.

Enjoyed this book as much as the first book in the series. It was nice to continue the story of Garrett and his ability to find trouble. The characters are very likable and believable. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Riveting from start to finish! That's the only way I know to describe Taylor Moore's second book in the Garrett Kohl series. The story opens in the midst of a gripping confrontation with a deadly cartel boss in which bullets are flying, and bodies are falling. Folks, that's just the first chapter, and it only escalates from there. From the drug lord takedown in the first chapter to Russian espionage in the final chapters, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. Talon, a large international energy consortium, has moved into the Texas panhandle, where Garrett Kohl owns a ranch, and they possess the mineral rights to his land. That's where the trouble starts. This book is filled with pedal-to-the-metal, heart-stopping danger and action involving the CIA, DEA, and high-level governments across the globe. There are a good many characters and different points of view in this story, but each was necessary and vital to keep it moving. Knowing what each character was thinking and feeling added depth to the story without turning into head-hopping.I love how Moore interjects such strong Texas sayings and influences. For example, "Among the many things to be learned since his arrival in Texas was the cowboy code. The rules weren't written or spoken but rather lived out during everyday life." And this: "Whether it was the rusted pumpjacks to the south or the windswept ranches and farmland to the north, it was a place with a deep soul and tough-as-leather exterior."Moore's knowledge of and love for this rugged land shines through in his writing. Family loyalty, respect for and love for the godforsaken plains of Northwest Texas, and realistic, unforgettable characters are what place this pulse-pounding tale a head and shoulders above the rest. The author put in just enough backstory that any reader wouldn't be lost by starting the series with this book. However, I do highly recommend reading "Down Range" first. If you are a fan of edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this series is for you!

The second installment in the DEA agent Garret Kohl series is an explosive action-filled crime thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The 1st book in the sequel “Down Range” laid the foundation for the characters and their development, their strong family values, and the location of the series. This plot has taken a gargantuan hop from that footing and catapulted it into a riveting read. The plot opens with a deadly gunfight in a joint operation of the DEA, CIA, and Texas Rangers to capture the Mexican Garza Cartel boss and this is just the beginning.Back home in the vast highlands of Texas, Garret, his father Butch, and an Afgan child under foster care by Kohl’s family and whom Garrett wanted to legally adopt were getting back to their normal life looking after the horses in the ranch and farmlands after the Mescalero debacle. Upon Garrett’s return from the Mexican border operation, he is made aware by his brother Bridger that a mining company, Talon Corporation has planned a massive dig-up operation in their backyard for rare earth minerals. Garrett learns that his family along with others in the region like the Kaiser’s had sold their right of minerals in their ranches several years ago and these rights have now been bought by Talon Corporation.The Public Relations of Talon Corporation was headed by Vicky Kaiser (alias Victoria), who happens to be Garrett’s girlfriend, Lacey Capshaw’s childhood friend, and tries to persuade her to stall the mining operations. Things get nasty when Garrett’s mom's burial site is vandalized by Talon’s workforce which leads to some physical altercation between the two groups. When these threats and violence begin to flare up, Garrett discreetly begins to investigate Talon Corporation with the help of his colleague in the CIA, Kim Manning, and friends Trip, Ray Smitty, Kate, Lacey, and the local sheriff buddy Tony Sanchez. Garret soon realizes that the roots of Talon Corporation are embedded deep in the countries that are adversaries of the US and their nefarious plan is to garner supplies of resources like rare earth minerals from the US leaving them economically and militarily vulnerable. Their hostile operations are managed by an army of ex-Russian special forces who will mercilessly use any means of violence or intimidation to achieve what is asked of them. When Talon Corporation gets an inkling of Garret trying to uncover their dark secrets and documents, they kidnap CIA agent, Kim Manning in a tit-for-tat exchange. Kohl decides to take his adversaries head-on to protect his land and anyone whom he loves. The machination spins into a high-octane action from this point, where Garret with the help of his cohorts - Trip and Sanchez plan and executes a pulse-pounding assault on Talon Corporation and Russian goons. The tension ramps up with some breathtaking edge-of-the-seat encounters that will keep the readers turning the pages through to the climax and resolution. The characters are strong and likable to the point that you can’t but root for them. The only flipside, in this storyline, is a terrible scene of animal abuse that is heart-wrenching and it certainly made me despise Talon Corporation to the core. If you are a thriller addict, then this series should be in your TBR, and would strongly recommend reading the first book. Looking forward to the third installment in the Garrett Kohl series.

This is the second book I’ve read from this author as well as the Garrett Kohl series. I like the author’s writing style as well as his cast of characters in this series. Garrett is back with his motley crue of characters: Kim, Lacey, Bridger, Asadi and an assortment of TX Ranger friends, former Green Beret buddies and townsfolk, including my fave bar owner, Ike, and, of course, Garrett’s curmudgeon father, Butch (LOVE BUTCH). “You know, if my own kids had been as bright as you, I would of had a lot more”. The book summary lays out the premise so I’m not going to repeat it here. What the summary doesn’t reveal is the secondary storyline, which is the CIA assignment that Kim has been working on that indirectly involves Asadi and, subsequently, Garrett and his family and their ranch. It takes a lot for a story to jerk tears from me but there is a scene that manages to do just that. Had to close the book for awhile just to get a grip on my emotions.For those who are animal lovers, be forewarned, there is a terrible scene of animal abuse that was heart wrenching, at least for me it was. There will be those that will be pissed that I revealed such a spoiler and that I didn’t hide it behind a spoiler alert. To those folks - oh well. I also know that there will those who will appreciate the warning too so that they are able to make the best decision for themselves about whether or not they want to read the book.The story was a fast-paced, action-packed trip across the Texas panhandle. The end came fast and was explosive and intense as the calvary came in from all sides. I’m reminded of that infamous saying: “Don’t mess with Texas”. LOL😊 This book was just as good as the first one and has me now entrenched into the series and it’s endearing cast of characters. I can’t wait until the next one comes out.

I had the true privilege to get to work on this novel and am so excited for readers to get to enjoy this next installment in the Garrett Kohl series. Full disclosure: I read the first book before this, and if you are new to the series, the author does do a great job of recapping a LOT of the first book, or even for returners a nice refresher. So while you could potentially come to this anew, I think it is vital to read the first book before you pick up this way, in order to understand the measure of the man himself, Garrett.Picks up not too long after the first book, with a bit of lapse in time. A lot has changed and a lot is still to come. You also begin to see a lot of familiar characters from the first book come together in ways you wouldn't imagine. The setting is vivid as done in the first book, and the characters described in a way that you can totally imagine them as you read, including a lot of the new characters introduced. I think one problem some readers might have is that there are a fair amount of new characters introduced, but it didn't make it hard for me to follow personally. A LOT of action happens, as imagined, and I think some of it felt extremely exaggerated, but in reflection of the overall story, it was totally necessary. In this next Garrett Kohl novel, you are dealing with a new kind of villain, one not so far off from the previous except with their own set of skills, perhaps making them a bit more dangerous than the last. But I 100% recommend if you enjoyed the previous book, and the ending DEFINITELY will have you wanting more...

This starts off with a bang and never lets up. DEA Agent Garrett Kohl manages to escape the clutches of a cartel whose leader he was sent to capture only to find himself and his family threatened by Talon, an energy company which owns the mineral rights to the family ranch. His father Butch tangles with them first but then everything escalates when Garrett's Afghan ward Asadi is attacked. Talon, as Garrett learns thanks to Kim, his CIA officer contact, is owned by the Russians, who have serious intent beyond the mineral deposits. This is both action novel and a story of family- of Garrett and his long time love Lacey, of Smitty and his daughter Savana, Butch, Badger, and most of all Asadi, Some of this is completely implausible, some of it appalling, and all of it will keep you turning the pages. Don't worry if you didn't read the first book- this will be fine as a standalone because Moore gives good backstory. He's also terrific with creating memorable characters you will either root for (most of them) or hate. Thanks to edelweiss for the ARC. As with the first book, this would make a terrific movie but it's a great read.