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)

Another great Rapp novel

Absolutely exactly as I was hoping for. Another great Mitch Rapp story. Really enjoyed it and I am now off to download the next one!

Satisfying in every way.

My favorite of the series. Complex plot. Nothing incredulously implausible in the plot, and pure pleasure listening to George read the story.

The most suspenseful yet

Only complaint is his pronunciation of certain words. Other than that…great. The sword requirements are bullshit

Full Blown Thriller

This unabridged version of Vince Flynn's Protect and Defend, is a clear example of the immense difference the unabridged version of an audio novel is from the abridged version. In this novel, the plot is allowed to fully unfold in a way that allows the listener to be fully caught up in the story. The writer's telling of the story doesn't seem rushed and unreal. Rather, the story line is allowed to unfold. Our hero Mitch Rapp and the agency and the government do in this story what we can only hope the government would do in the face of terrorism. You might not approve of his methods, but you also know thoughtful action is being taken. if you like Vince Flynn's other Mitch Rapp novels, you love this one.

Mitch Rapp is the Man!

Anyone who enjoys the counter-terrorism story will enjoy every one of Vince Flynn's books. Flynn's protagonist, Mitch Rapp, is Jack Bauer times two. Every time Mitch takes out his trusty silenced pistol and lets the bad guy have it right between the eyes, one's heart swells with satisfaction at the justice of it all. Those of us who would never sanction such behavior in real life, can rejoice at the "40 million dollar federal killing machine" just wiping out the terrorists with a steely eye and steady hand. He's saving the world and we suffer no guilt whatever. The good part is that Flynn lets you know what Rapp is thinking and why he does what he does. You get to know Rapp the man, as well as Rapp the assassin. You'll love these books.

Very few authors as listenable

There is a great difference between what may make a great book, and what makes a great audiobook. Some of my favorite novels are things I would have a difficult time listening too. But some books, like Orson Scott Card, and Vince Flynn leap off the page when read well. The narrator gives darn near perfect inflection of how you want the characters to react. And the story itself lends itself for the way this is read - a quick pace as action occurs, a slower, more thoughtful pace as the decisions are being made. This story is fully realized in this format and absolutely is a standout. If you're someone who listens to audiobooks while you drive, watch out! This is one of those that is so engrossing, you may need to look down and check your speed at the more action oriented moments ;)

Another totally entertaining book by Vince Flynn!

I am totally addicted to Vince Flynn's creation of badass, counter-intelligence officer and terrorist assassin - Mitch Rapp. I was truly left wanting more after listening to this Audible download. I wonder how long I will have to wait for the unabridged, Audible version of Extreme Measures, Pursuit of Honor and American Assassin?! Hopefully, they will all be narrated by George Guidall - he's such an exceptional narrator! Even though all of Vince Flynn's novels stand alone well, I prefer to read/listen to them in order, so I provided a list of Vince Flynn's books with their publishing dates for your convenience;

Term Limits (1997) - Transfer of Power (1999) - The Third Option (2000)
Separation of Power (2001) - Executive Power (2002) - Memorial Day (2004)
Consent to Kill (2005) - Act of Treason (2006) - Protect and Defend (2007)
Extreme Measures (2008) - Pursuit of Honor (2009) - American Assassin (2010)

Highly Recommended!

Love Mitch Rapp

These books should never be read by anyone other than George Guidall. He makes these stories and the characters come to life. Mitch Rapp is so much more than a hero...he is invincible, conscientous, honorable, and ruthless with his enemies. A very fun book to listen to while taking road trips. Engaging.

One of the best Mitch Rapp's

The books just keep getting better and better. I like that the head of the CIA is a female. Well done.

RIP Vince.

I'm going back and listening to older Rapp books because I miss Vince Flynn. Kyle Mills is ok but not on point as much as Vince was. I've read this book before and decided to listen to it. Very high paced and lots of funny moments. Funny part was the certain cut off apendage Rapp put on the terrorists chest as he was strapped to a gurney. Classic!!