Ultimatum

By: Simon Kernick

Narrated by: Paul Thornley

Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's Summary

A threat has been made. An ultimatum delivered. Innocent people are in mortal danger. The gripping new bestseller from the master of the race-against-time thriller.8am: an explosion blasts through a cafe in central London. Minutes later a call is made to a local radio station: ‘We’ve just detonated a bomb. Another will explode shortly. The British Government has until 8pm tonight to meet all our demands, or a far greater attack will take place somewhere in the country that will bring fire down on all your heads. You have been warned ...’DC Tina Boyd and DI Mike Bolt have just twelve hours to stop the terrorists – before it’s too late...

©2013 Simon Kernick (P)2013 Random House Audiobooks

Critic Reviews

"Pace, pace, pace is what Simon Kernick does best." ( Daily Mirror)

"Simon Kernick writes great plots, great characters, great action." (Lee Child)

"Simon Kernick writes with his foot pressed hard on the pedal. Hang on tight!." (Harlen Coben)

"Simon Kernick uses every trick in the book to keep the action breakneck." ( Time Out)

Fast-moving thriller

The author specialises in books like this where the forces of law and order are faced with an imminent threat and the story follows their efforts at break-neck speed. It’s a topical scenario with a deadline given that a catastrophic terrorist attack will hit London if demands are not met by 8pm. Smaller attacks earlier in the day confirm that the perpetrators are serious. Islamic extremists are obvious suspects but the plot turns out to be more complex. Bodies pile up and characters make stupid decisions that get them into dangerous situations. It’s a very macho book: even DS Tina Boyd, the only prominent female character, is gung-ho in her approach to policing punching and shooting her way out of trouble.
This is not subtle literature but it certainly holds ones attention. Of its genre this is a good example. I’d say that the authors previous book, Siege, involving some of the same characters, is an even better book.

The narrator’s delivery-style adds to the sense of urgency and danger.

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

Pacey, decent storyline

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, a decent modern story, we'll paced and easy to follow. A good page turning novel.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Enjoyable Page Turner and an Easy Listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you liked Simon Kernick's previous books you'll like this one; however I found the plot a little thin and the story not as engaging as previous books due to the lack of chacacter development.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jones because his was the only character really developed, showing true human emotions such that you cared about what happened to him.

What about Paul Thornley’s performance did you like?

Excellent as ever, a well paced narration with great characterisation.

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

An exciting story that made one want to keep listening, although the ever increasing body count was a little disturbing.

Any additional comments?

I am sure that with all the loose ends we'll see the underlying story thread continued in a future Simon Kernick publication. Would have preferred to have seen more of SK's usual unexpected twists, and because of the aforementioned loose ends was left feeling a little in limbo!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Excellet Thriller

Oh my! Tina Boyd my hero again. I wonder what is her phone number !
Well done Simon a good follow up to “Siege” fast moving suspense and enough violence for even the most ardent fan. Always good to have a happy ending.

Amazing

What did you like most about Ultimatum?

The way the story developed and the ending was good too

What was one of the most memorable moments of Ultimatum?

I liked the Story arch of Jones a guy trying to do the right thing at whatever costs

Which character – as performed by Paul Thornley – was your favourite?

Jones

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

all the characters and a place and their backstory made sense.

Any additional comments?

N/A

superb

a really great story. another win for Simon Kernick can't wait for the next book.

Well crafted storyline

Good book with clever threads weaving a believable scenario. Nice to see the hero Jones doing what he has to do for the greater good but with a conscience!

Another gripping book

Simon Kernick just keeps producing great book after great book.
Awesome characters and great plots, a must listen.

Like!

I liked the plot and the characters - there is depth and more to learn about them.

ACE BOOK JUST GREAT

A fantastic book in the series,i have read all previous 17 books and i think this is another great read the auther has really bought together modern day terrorist issues into the book gripping at times and great characters and a fantastic narator reading the book definatly a 10 out of 10 book and would highly reccomend it cant wait for the the next read.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful