Power Down

By: Ben Coes

Narrated by: Peter Hermann

Introducing a major new thriller writer—in the vein of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor—and an electrifying character, Dewey Andreas.

A major North American hydroelectric dam is blown up and the largest off-shore oil field in this hemisphere is destroyed in a brutal, coordinated terrorist attack. But there was one factor that the terrorists didn't take into account when they struck the Capitana platform off the coast of Colombia—slaughtering much of the crew and blowing up the platform—and that was the Capitana crew chief Dewey Andreas. Dewey, former Army Ranger and Delta, survives the attack, rescuing as many of his men as possible. But the battle has just begun.
While the intelligence and law enforcement agencies scramble to untangle these events and find the people responsible, the mysterious figure of Alexander Fortuna—an agent embedded into the highest levels of American society and business—sets into play the second stage of these long-planned attacks. The only fly in the ointment is Dewey Andreas—who is using all his long-dormant skills to fight his way off the platform, then out of Colombia and back to the U.S., following the trail of terrorists and operatives sent to stop him. Power Down is a gripping, compelling debut thriller from Ben Coes, a powerful new author, an amazing talent certain to join the ranks of the genre's finest writers.

Critic reviews

“Power Down is terrific! With a gripping story, compelling characters, a relentless pace and nerve-wracking suspense, Power Down is one of the must-read thrillers of the year. Don't miss this debut of novelist Ben Coes and the introduction of Dewey Andreas--you'll devour this one and wait anxiously for their return.” —Vince Flynn, New York Times bestselling author of Pursuit of Honor

“A ripping thriller from an exciting new novelist. Power Down kept me glued, turning the pages. Lots of action, a terrific hero, and a slimy villain--thrillers don't get any better.” —Stephen Coonts, New York Times bestselling author of The Disciple

A new master of the thriller is born!

I'm catching up on some reviews of some off the best older books in my Audible library. Power Down is from 2010.

I had never heard of Ben Coes when I happened upon Power Down over 5 years ago. The novel was Coes' first effort. It is easily the best first novel I have ever read (Lee Child's Killing Floor comes closest). The novel introduces a new thriller hero, Dewey Andras. The fifth novel in the Dewey Andras series was published earlier this year. All five novels have been superb.

The narration is flawless.

For those who like the action and suspense of the very best international thrillers Power Down and the other Ben Coes novels are must reads.

Solid, intelligent, entertaining book ....

This quality and intelligence of this book isn't (in my opinion) captured in the reviews. I passed over this title MANY times, and only came back after I'd run out of material from some of my favorite authors (Flynn, Thor, etc.) Ten minutes into the book, I was transfixed. I typically use audiobooks for travel and running ... and I found myself going on longer and longer runs just to finish this book. Don't get me wrong ... there are a few quirky scenes ... the author doesn't have a good flow in the earlier action sequences (first book I believe) ... but all in all this is a TOP SHELF book and comes with my highest recommendations.

Tip: Colt 1911 and most modern firearms!

When writing and using characters which are well versed in modern warfare, you might want to use at least the correct terminology about the nomenclature and use of such firearm. I cringed every time you used the word clip to describe a magazine. At one point also calling the Colt 1911 a revolver also. SMH!! It was overall a good book but I would fire your editors over that miss.

Great Action

The flag waving at the beginning would probably make a tea party member blush but once you get past that the book is non-stop action. Great plot, well written, and flows great. Fans of Mitch Rapp will love this!

You will never think Dewey is a whimpy name again

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

Yes, it twists and turns and the bad guys do a lot of damage before they are stopped by Dewey Andreas.

What about Peter Hermann’s performance did you like?

Excellent narration.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Dewey Andreas

Any additional comments?

I loved all the detail that makes this book come to life. A good book can teach you something without boring you to death and this book does that. There is a new action hero in town and his name is Dewey Andreas. The bad guy is also quite complex and believable for a villain.