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Covert Warriors  By  cover art

Covert Warriors

By: W.E.B. Griffin, William E. Butterworth IV
Narrated by: Dick Hill
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Publisher's summary

At a Mexican roadblock, a U.S. Embassy SUV is stopped at gunpoint, three of its passengers murdered, and a fourth kidnapped. Everything points to the drug cartels, especially when the kidnappers say they will return the hostage if a cartel kingpin is released from U.S. federal prison.

But when word gets to Charley Castillo and his group of “retired” spies and special operators, they have their doubts. Fresh from having enraged the Kremlin by staging a covert raid in Venezuela that nabbed not only high-value Russian agents but also a highly prized secret Russian aircraft, they start connecting the dots. They believe that it’s a diversion. That the murders and kidnapping were ordered by none other than Vladimir Putin himself to lure Castillo and company to their deaths. And the thing of it is, even knowing that may not save them. Powerful forces in the U.S. government are arrayed against them as well, and if one side doesn’t get them... the other side will.

Filled with Griffin’s trademark rich characters and cutting-edge drama, this is another exceptional novel in an exceptional series.

Prolong the suspense: listen to another Presidential Agent thriller.
©2011 W.E.B. Griffin, William Butterworth IV (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Covert Warriors

Average customer ratings
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  • 2 Stars
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

What did you like best about Covert Warriors? What did you like least?

I've followed the Charlie Castillo series since its inception. This novel seemed to have a

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

One of Griffin's strengths is character development. Where that was present in this book, it was cut and pasted from previous volumes.
Second, the language was over the top - or more accurately- in the sewer. It was so difficult to listen to, I had to turn it off a few times just to take a break. (Some is expected, but this? Come on.) Much of the foul language had nothing to do with the story. It was petty and not in keeping with the consistency of the other books in the series.
It was no longer fun: it became a chore. I don't read fiction for the intellectual challenge, but if I need chores, I'll check the honey-do list.

Do you think Covert Warriors needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

The Castillo series should continue, but I would encourage that Griffin returns to his original principles and style.

Any additional comments?

I hope the next one isn't as flat. It's unlikely that I'll invest in another book by this author.

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23 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Barely made it to the end

Would you try another book from W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth and/or Dick Hill?

I've been a huge fan of W.E.B. Griffin for more than 20 years and I'm sad to say that since he's started writing with his son the books have become much less enjoyable. The Presidential Agents series started off as enjoyable, though not up to his earlier series, but as each book in this series has come out it has gotten steadily more rote and repetitive. It seems unlikely that I will continue to read this series.

Has Covert Warriors turned you off from other books in this genre?

I love the genre and I love Griffin's earlier works. I'll likely just go back and revisit those wonderful books.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The acting of the book was fine for what it was. It was easy to follow who was speaking as the reader had distinctive voices for everyone. I will say that weather he was written that way or it was the readers interpretation, the President was such an SOB that I found myself not being able to wait until the chapter was over every time the story switched to the Presidential POV.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

No, not really.

Any additional comments?

I think followers of W.E.B. Griffin know that usually his books are all about the interactions between the characters and not necessarily about the action. That being said, all of the interaction in this book are boring and repetitive. They basically sit around for the whole book talking about the same things over and over and then resolve the major plot point in a couple of paragraphs. I came away with the impression that the authors are working to turn out as many books as possible with not a lot of thought to the quality and the enjoyment of fans.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Disappointed

As an avid Charlie Castillo fan, I couldn't wait to get my hands (ears?) on this new book. Another reviewer called it ragged and I have to agree. The authors' styles didn't mesh very well... and whoever was in charge of crafting the ending-- well, I hope he does a better job on the next one. Even with a sequel in mind, too many loose ends stayed unravelled to call this book enjoyable. Sure, it left me wanting more- but not in a good way... much like dropping the last, best bite of your jelly donut on the floor. The good news: narrator-extraordinaire, Dick Hill NEVER disappoints.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Not worth it

This book wasn???t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

This is a waste. Poor story and poor performance. Come on. If this was the first book there wouldn't be a second.
I wasted a credit here. This is not up to Griffin's standards. And Dick hill has done a better job before as well.
Don't waste your time and money.

What was most disappointing about W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth ???s story?

Incomplete story with out much input from the main characters.

What didn???t you like about Dick Hill???s performance?

To over the top. Need to go easy on those accents.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Covert Warriors?

I would send it back and ask for a rewite.

Any additional comments?

I'm going to sample the next one before I buy it. I enjoyed the series till now.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Always Great Stuff

Where does Covert Warriors rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've listened to about 400 books in the last 3 years. This whole series of the Presidential Agent is at least in the top two books in a series. Every booki in this series is relevant and the characters have developed so well since the beginning book. I love every one of them.

What other book might you compare Covert Warriors to and why?

I listen to too many books to make a comparison against one. Well developed characters and great suspense and action and story lines. I already await the next one.

Which character – as performed by Dick Hill – was your favorite?

Dick Hill is one of the best and particularly well suited to this series. Love his portral of all of the main characters but Charlie and Fernando are probably my favorites. The previous book in this series was not read by Dick Hill and it totally killed it for me and many others. Dick Hill

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Lots of suspense and there is always some sarcastic humor in this series. Love every minute of it.

Any additional comments?

I just hate waiting for a year or more for the next one. Griffin is involved in so many series, which are all good, but this series has always been my favorite

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

The contrast from Great to Awful with this series.

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

This book is an absolute joke. After investing in a continually exciting series, I had higher expectations. The story certainly builds to a great picture of an emotionally wrecked and president who is portrayed by the narrator as truly out of his mind. But that is about all you will get from this book. Plot lines that never really wrap up and so much

What do you think your next listen will be?

I will, from now on, avoid ALL books with Author or Co-Author William E. Butterworth IV. He should stick to pancake syrup.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

In the other books, the narrator did a great job. His portrayal of a bizarre and paranoid president was so extreme that as a listener, you can't wait to find out how his world finally get unraveled or fixed. But in the end, the narrator, producer, etc. All made the big character build for nothing.

What character would you cut from Covert Warriors?

Not a character, I would certainly fire William E. Butterworth IV and send him back to the mail room. Clearly his involvement in this series is a true mistake.

Any additional comments?

Save your money. This book is not even in the same league as the others. Just pretend this on doesn't exist.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Makes my brain bleed.

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

All the voices seem strident and overbearing. Sometimes it's like iistening to Foghorn Leghorn argue with himself. I think DIck Hill could tone it down a bit, but the story itself plows SO much of the same ground over and over, and he has to read what's written.

What could W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

How many times does a plot development have to be repeated to each character almost verbatim? I had to take breaks to rest before listening to more.

What three words best describe Dick Hill???s performance?

Strident, loud, and combative.

What character would you cut from Covert Warriors?

I wouldn't cut a character, but I might try to give each character's personality more nuance. Many of the conversations sound like old cops telling war stories after one too many drinks....war stories they've repeated a thousand times...and being a bit too coarse in the presence of other characters who should be treated with more respect...like Abuela.

Any additional comments?

I think I'm done with this series.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Bad...

What disappointed you about Covert Warriors?

The story was disconnected and the ending was terrible. Just mad no sense. what is going on? The quality of the last 2 books has really fallen.....

Has Covert Warriors turned you off from other books in this genre?

No

What does Dick Hill bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Dick Hill is a master and is the only positive part of this audio book.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Any additional comments?

W. E. B. Griffin is letting his fans down....

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Ragged, not up to standards

What did you like best about Covert Warriors? What did you like least?

I liked hearing about the characters in a new plot.

What was most disappointing about W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth ???s story?

but there were dropped threads and shoddy attention to detail. The duo need to hone their partnership style.

Which character ??? as performed by Dick Hill ??? was your favorite?

Charlie

Was Covert Warriors worth the listening time?

Yes

Any additional comments?

The style should improve. The first Dick Francis/Felix Francis novel was not as good as usual too.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Covert Warriors

Dick Hill does a great job narrating the book. Since Griffin has been writing with his son the story seems a bit ragged. I hope as they work together the son learns more from his father and can carry the writing forward. There was a lot of repetition of the prior books of the series which interfered with the current story. The story built up with lots of suspense then the ending was a total let down. At first I thought there was an error in the downloading of the book, it seemed as if a whole section of the ending was missing. I would have liked a lot more detail for the ending. Maybe it will be filled in with the next book of the series. I love the series and will keep listening and hope they improve writing together.

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