For Duty and Honor (Dan Morgan #4.5) by Leo J. Maloney

For Duty and Honor (Dan Morgan #4.5) Reviews

• 
  Matt

  First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Leo Maloney, Kensington Books and Lyrical Underground for providing me with a copy of this book, which allows me to provide you with this review.
  
  While readers await the next full-length Dan Morgan novel, Maloney keeps his fans sated with this entertaining short story. After being captured while on a mission in Russia, Dan Morgan is sent to a Siberian prison camp. Refusing to acknowledge his existence, let alone his his mission, Zeta Division will be of no assistance whatsoever. While Morgan toils within the horrible conditions of this prison that houses those who are meant to be forgotten, Alex Morgan refuses to wait idly by for her father's rescue. A recent Zeta recruit, Alex demands answers of her own and heads to Russia with one name, someone who owes her father a favour. While trying to learn of his whereabouts, the younger Morgan must use her skills to bring her father home safely. However, some things do not work out as smoothly as can be hoped. Back in his prison camp, Morgan befriends another prisoner, a young Arab named Basri. After devising a plan to break-out, Morgan and Basri find themselves on the lam as they flee their captors. It is only then that Morgan realises that Basri has bigger plans, ones that could jeopardise America and his own sense of justice. Maloney crafts this high-impact thriller that keeps readers wondering until the final pages.
  
  The Dan Morgan series is one that can be easily enjoyed by those who like something with a little edge, but who are also fond of the espionage thrillers on the market today. Maloney's writing and chracterisations pulls on his past experiences, but also remains fresh and allows the reader to connect well with all involved. The narrative is crisp and in this short story the chapters are quick, allowing the reader to forge onwards with 'just a little more'. Utilising the Dan AND Alex Morgan approach allows readers to connect with both independently, as well as see their joint struggles, which can only be useful for upcoming novels. Maloney should also be complimented for using not one, but two (three if we count Alex's) scenarios to keep the story moving forward, paralleling two of America' greatest enemies in the 21st century, the Russians and religious terrorists. While not unique, Maloney offers a spin that sets his work apart from others in the genre. This was a great teaser for readers before the next novel comes out, something that is surely highly anticipated by those who follow Dan Morgan and his adventures.
  
  Kudos, Mr. Maloney for a great short story, developed with all the necessary ingredients. Well written and fast-paced, which will definitely earn the praise of series fans and new readers alike.
  
  Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
  
  http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
• 
  Cathy Geha

  Caught – yes, I was caught by what I read on the very first page of this book and as I realized that the prisoner mentioned, Dan Morgan, would have his life unfold in raw gritty detail from torture to imprisonment in a Siberian Gulag and then beyond I was hooked and unable to leave the story until I had finished in the wee hours of the morning. There were twists, turns, surprises, murder, mayhem and realism that might not appeal to all but it did appeal to me as it was not gratuitous but oh so very relevant and in keeping with the story. The work Dan Morgan does is not for the faint of heart and reading about it isn’t either.
  
  This is a standalone book that made me want to read from the past books in the series and then read those that will follow. Dan works for a clandestine group named “Zeta” and from what I gleaned from the story it is an elite and talented group of men and women who are able to do much in many places without being caught BUT if they are caught realize they are on their own with no outside help to rely on. Dan’s daughter is in the group and a portion of the story was relevant to her experience searching for her father – who went missing – in Russia.
  
  With bad guys aplenty, a secret mission to accomplish, many in the dark and more going on than many books I have recently this is a page-turner of a book that I highly recommend to those looking for a book that has a bit of espionage, time overseas, thrills and chills and a hero to root for. I also have to say it made me think and a book that makes me think is one I give high praise to.
  
  This is a new author to me but one I plan to read again. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC. This is my honest review.
  
• 
  Keith

  This is the first of the Dan Morgan series I've read, the writing is spot on and the story itself pulls you in right from the start.
  Both the protagonist and his adversary are well drawn out and you genuinely become interested in their lives.
  
  I'll definitely be ordering the first few books of this series and I'd recommend Dan Morgan as a character to invest some of your time in.
  
  I received a free copy through Netgalley for an honest review.
• 
  Ric Ulloa

  Dan Morgan books are amazing and Leo J Maloney did another great job carrying the idea of the character through, while growing and maturing all the characters in the series. I cannot wait for the next batch in the series!!
• 
  Randy

  Great short read! Kept my interest throughout.
• 
  Joe

  Hardly wait for the next one
  
  Very intense and exciting book. I
  Am sure you will want to read this book. I really enjoyed the read.
• 
  Todd Simpson

  Leo J Maloney has written some magnificent books, and this is another great story to add to the list. When it comes to Action Thrillers he certainly knows how to entertain, and fill the pages with a great plot from start to finish. Daniel Morgan worked for an American clandestine unit called the Zeta Division. Like most secret organisations if you got caught by the enemy while out on an operation, then no one was coming to your rescue. You were on your own. Daniel knew he was in all sorts of trouble when the Russians caught him and stuck him in one of their Gulag’s as a prisoner. Hard labour and minimal food was all he had to look forward to. His daughter Alex Morgan was training with Zeta to become a field agent like her dad. When they tell her that her dad has gone missing in Russia and there’s not much they can do to help him, so she decides to take it upon herself to find him. Alex found a Russian name in her father things, and she contacted Valery Dobynin to see if he could assist her, and he told her to come to Moscow. Daniel stuck up for an Arab man being bullied in the camp, and this got him the unwanted attention of a mafia boss and his thugs. So he jumps at the chance of escape when his friend Grushin the journalist suggests a way of getting out with the hidden dynamite he has hidden. They ask the Arab Badri to assist them with laying and activating the explosives, for the 3 of them to escape. If they do manage to escape it’s a long way to safety and away from their captors. The Author have also done a wonderful job in the detail and background of the characters. Do yourself a favour and read this book, it really is that good.
• 
  Brooke Blogs

  For Duty and Honor by Leo J. Maloney is a Dan Morgan novella. This is the first book I have read in this series. While I may have missed out on some background information, I was still able to enjoy this book.
  
  Dan Morgan finds himself captive in a Siberian prison. Though I was not familiar with the characters, I was instantly caught up in the story. Right from the start, I had to know how Dan would orchestrate his escape. There was an extra layer to the story with Dan’s daughter trying to find her father as well.
  
  The writing was excellent. The story felt authentic and the author kept me hooked. The action in the story kept me on my toes and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. For Duty and Honor by Leo J. Maloney is a top-notch spy thriller that had me excited to turn the pages on my Kindle. I give the story 4 stars, only because I felt the story could have been improved with just a little background information right at the beginning, in case someone is brand new to the series.
• 
  Joan

  This action packed novella was my introduction to operative Dan Morgan.
  
  I thoroughly enjoyed this novella even though I have not read the earlier novels featuring Morgan. I was happily surprised to find that this novella contained enough well plotted action and tidbits of back story so that it captured my interest and kept me reading to the surprising end. This novella was crafted so well that I'd like to read the full length novels too.
  
  I recommend this novella to anyone who would like an exciting and well crafted story that you can finish of an evening. It's a good mix of character information wrapped around an exciting plot and bathed in suspense.
  
  I received a complimentary egalley of this novella through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
• 
  Cindy McBride

  It's not unusual for me to gravitate towards this kind of book, after having spent the vast majority of my career working with and for the military. I absolutely loved this character, and struggled when he struggled, felt hopeless when he felt hopeless, and experienced the surging of patriotism when he did. The plot is deliciously complex, and surprises come out of the blue when you're not expecting to be blind-sided. Great book, and highly recommended.
• 
  Beth

  Not bad.
  
  It's a little short and has a bit of a rushed ending but an entertaining read. It is probably my 3rd or 4th favorite from the series.
• 
  Bill Donhiser

  A nice short novella good action and characters. Looking forward to more Dan Morgan, as soon as I read a few more in my to do pile.
• 
  Prasanna

  A Dan Morgan short story. A very thrilling beginning followed by breathtaking action. the climax was not good enough, was actually expecting more of a takedown on a grander scale.
• 
  Michael Goulette

  I didn't enjoy this book compared to his others. Most of it takes place in a Russian gulag and the reader is left wondering how he got there and what his intentions are. The bit with his daughter was a bit unbelievable. It was a fast read though and I'm giving it a generous 3 stars. We don't like to see our heroes with bad intentions and getting beat up all of the time.