Protect and Defend

By: Vince Flynn

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

An action-packed and all-too-realistic vision of nations navigating the minefield of international intrigue, Protect and Defend is Vince Flynn's most explosive political thriller yet. The action begins in the heart of Iran, where billions of dollars are being spent on the development of a nuclear program. No longer willing to wait for the international community to stop its neighboring enemy, Israel launches a creative and daring operation that leaves a radioactive tomb in the middle of Iran's second largest city. An outraged Iranian government publicly blames both Israel and the United States and demands retribution.

Enter Mitch Rapp, America's top counterterrorism operative. Rapp convinces President Josh Alexander to sign off on a risky operation that will push Iran to the brink of revolution. But when Iran recruits Hezbollah master terrorist Imad Mukhtar, and a CIA effort goes disastrously wrong, Rapp and Mukhtar are set on a collision course that threatens to engulf the entire region in war. With the clock ticking, Rapp is given 24 hours, no questions asked, to do whatever it takes to stop Mukhtar, and avert an unthinkable catastrophe.

©2007 Vince Flynn (P)2007 Simon and Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

"Flynn didn't invent the post-9/11 thriller, but he might as well have....[He] is the best pure adrenaline-charged action writer out there today." ( Providence Journal)

Mitch Rapp Unleashed

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The thought of Iran currently trying to be a nuclear power is quite edge of the seat type of plot. Israel taking action to stop Iran even in secret could cause a mid-East crisis which could after a long cold war with Russia cause America to start a war which easily could become WWIII. Then you let Irene get kidnapped and Mitch start thinking the bastards would start to torture her and the crap is going to hit the fan. Especially when the president literally pulls off Mitch's gloves and restraints and the only outcome that matters is Irene home safe, sound, and unharmed.

Which scene was your favorite?

I listened to the Irene kidnap scene and aftermath 2 or 3 times but so much happened and I knew it was going to be a key part of the story so I wanted to understand it. Even though it's in the beginning I thought it was such a pivotal story plot that I was glad I listened to it several times. Other scenes when Mitch has to rant to get some pencil pushing politician to understand the importance of action, and especially no holds barred violent action is always entertaining.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Once the story started this book was a book I listened to in almost one setting except re-listening of the key part of Irene being taken and the battle that ensues. I have found many of Vince Flynn books to be ones in which I really wanted to sit listen until I couldn't continue or real life makes me put it down.

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy military action adventure novels you'll enjoy the Mitch Rapp series. Even though these stories are fiction and you can see through the fiction to storylines and some of the reactions and outcomes really can be thought provoking. I really enjoy stories and books in which not only entertain but if it can cause some thinking and contemplations then even better

outstanding

Vince Flynn read by George Guidall is pure pleasure to listen to. Flynn's finely crafted story line is perfection while read by George Guidalls complete performance of characters.

Mitch pulls it off again

This was a typical great Mitch rapp book the performance was perfect not too many phony accents the story was engaging I enjoyed every minute of it

Terrific Storyteller

I happen to love the espionage/military thriller genre...and the more I listen to various authors, the more impressed I am with Vince Flynn. He's not flowery or overly stylish...but the guy knows how to spin a hell of a yarn. It doesn't hurt that he's established a great little cast of characters (starring, obviously, Mitch Rapp), but even though the general setting of each of the stories is roughly the same...Flynn finds a way of drawing you in, setting the stage, introducing a dilemma and bringing resolution. Just a great time!

And it should go without saying...but I never let the opportunity pass without acknowledging the contribution of George Guidall. He's very simply the best audio book reader I've ever heard. Much as with Walt Longmire, George IS the voice of Mitch Rapp.

classic Vince Flynn

Entertaining as any of his other works; if you are a fan of his earlier works, you must read this one as well

A VERY SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

When introiduced to Ken Follet first. I listened to his most recent, "World Without End", which was outstanding. "Pillars Of The Earth", fortunatley has been revived. It is a marvel, an historical adventure with a continuous story that kept me rapt. It was marvelously captivating.

Not bad

This was the first Vince Flynn book I've listened to. Not bad but the story's hero was a bit too perfect.

VINCE FLYNN #1 Love George Guidall

Best narrator of Flynn books. I have bought all of them, listened to them all several times.

Fun

Filled with cliche'. Tons of corny dialog. And some pretty good action. This book has no redeeming qualities what so ever. No boring preachy moments. It is just entertaining fun.

George Guidall gives it a wonderful performance. One highly recommends this for pure escapism.

GuidalI is horrible

mispronounces way too much. Sounds like Central casting from a retirement home play. This book was a good turning point for Flynn's technical knowledge.