Task Force Desperate

American Praetorians, Book 1

By: Peter Nealen

Narrated by: Wyntner Woody

Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Alone, outnumbered, and outgunned.

Jeff Stone and his team of Praetorian Security contractors are marking time on counterpiracy duty aboard a freighter in the Gulf of Aden when the boredom ends abruptly. A major US base on the Horn of Africa is overrun in a well-coordinated terrorist attack, and those base personnel who survive are taken hostage. With the world economy tanked and most of the Western militaries dangerously thinned, the Praetorian operators find themselves to be the hostages' only hope of rescue.

The mission isn't going to be simple or easy. But as events in East Africa accelerate, and outside players start to show their hands, the Praetorian shooters start to realize just what a desperate gamble they are embarked upon and what this particular job is going to cost.

©2012 Peter Nealen (P)2015 Peter Nealen

Good story, OK narration

Would you listen to Task Force Desperate again? Why?

This was a good action story about a private military company up against steep odds. I really enjoyed the story and it's realistic approach. I read a lot of fantasy and SciFi so this was a good change of pace. I got a little lost in some parts dealing with middle eastern and African politics and geography, which is a problem with audiobooks, I think. But overall I followed along and liked it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Task Force Desperate?

i don't want to give away any spoilers but there was a good twist. Also I really liked getting a view into a soldiers thought process. Never having been in the military, this was eye opening to me.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narration was not the best I've heard. There were some awkward pauses at odd times that really annoyed me at the beginning. The narrator has a kind of even, monotone delivery that kind of sounds like he's a little perturbed to have to read the story. However, as the book progressed I noticed the pauses and tone less. I'm not sure if I got used to them, just got absorbed in the story, or he go better! I'm glad I stuck with it.

Any additional comments?

I'm hoping the next book is released on audible! Despite my reservations with the narration, I really liked the story and want to know what happens next.

Most outstanding

Combat action production. Read like a movie with a great story line and lots of bad guys bit the dust. Must listen for action enthusiasts!

Tough soldiers for a tough job nobody else will do

The original Praetorian Guard was a special force used to guard the tent or person of a general. This group is also a special force of seasoned soldiers, disillusioned by the politics and timidity of the American armed forces, now turned mercenary in order to keep fighting bad guys. They are hired to kill a top ISIS bad boy, and to rescue 200 hostages, mostly military. But there are only about 20 of this force, this is why it is a desperate mission.

We get to sneak, bribe and shoot our way around a couple north African countries, trying to decide whom to trust and whom to blow up. It does get just a tad tedious in the middle, but the action is all good, the characters are relatable, there is intrigue and deceit, there are teary deaths, and real men. I like that it is realistic, not everyone gets out with his hair unruffled; there are real losses. If you like soldier stories, this looks to be a good series.

I would not say that Wyntner Woody is a great narrator. He doesn't differentiate characters much, and doesn't do accents. But his deep, rough, tough voice works well with the task at hand. I noticed these failings, but didn't care since the story was good enough. I will be listening to the next one!

Murphy bends them over

Action and adventure in the Horn of Africa. While on contract to protect shipping, a group of ex US special forces are asked to find US hostages in Jambutti. Murphy and the CIA do not help the Praetorian's

Excellent characters, great attention to tactics and weapons. I am waiting eagerly for the rest of this series to come out on Audible.

Wyntner Woody is a surprise as a narrator. I like his voice, and pacing. I guess it is okay for actors to not know how to check pronunciation. Audio book narrator IS a job. Do it with pride or find something else to do. Of course the words he screwed up are on my list of pet peeves for pronunciation.

All in all I give this audio book a 4.5 of 5.

Masterpiece of A Military Thriller

Peter Nealen has delivered a white knuckle, no holds barred, perfect thriller as only someone who has been there can. Masterfully written and detailed. His characters have depth and are able to express a spectrum of emotion that isn't usually found in these types of books where everyone seems to be an indestructible Alpha. In Task Force Desperate each member has strengths and weaknesses, they don't always get along or agree,
(Just like any real combat unit) but they will do their damndest to accomplish the objective. Buckle up this one is a hell of a good read.

Excellent

I like most of Nealens books and this was no different. Reminds me of times with my brothers in terrible places.

Excellent. reminds me of Bravo Two Zero.

Great narrator. Unputtdownable. It's about Somalia, pirates, hostages, mercenaries, survival, politics and double crossing.