Dangerous Alliance by Randall Krzak

Dangerous Alliance Reviews

• 
  Jonathan Pongratz

  4/5
  
  Four pirate-thwarting stars for this one!
  
  Dangerous Alliance is the second novel in Randall Krzak's Bedlam series, and like the first book, this novel was a roller coaster ride of secrets, betrayal, and thrills.
  
  The Bedlam program has decided to create another special ops group after the success of the initial team's success from the first book. But it isn't long before a new threat develops. Pirates are taking valuable ships from all around Africa, and it looks like there may be ties to a terrorist group named Al-Shabab.
  
  Is the Bedlam Bravo team up for the challenge? Can they prove the ties to Al-Shabab? And most of all, can they stop the carnage before more innocent blood is spilled?
  
  A fan of Krzak for quite some time, I found this novel extremely consistent with the first one. This novel is written in several great POVs, from the views of the Bedlam Bravo team, the Ambassador of North Korea, Soo, and even the pirates themselves. I really enjoy reading a book with multiple points of view, and this aspect worked well for me.
  
  I also feel that the main characters presented were well developed. I didn't think I would, but I think my favorite character was Soo. I felt that I could relate to his dilemma pretty much immediately. The man he works for is a terrible dictator, yet he's stuck in this role and being forced to do the impossible, even if it means doing something unspeakable.
  
  Also, if you follow my reviews, you know that I have a thing for chills and thrills. This book definitely had both in spades! The Bedlam Bravo team is running against the clock to figure things out, and Soo is running out of time to please his commander. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and I really felt the sense of urgency for all parties involved, which definitely got me to turn those pages.
  
  Alright, so I did find some cons, but overall I don't believe that they should keep someone from trying out this book and giving it a chance.
  
  While reading, the biggest con I could think of was the number of characters and locations. At times I found myself a tad confused as to who was who throughout my journey. More specifically, from the POVs of the Bedlam Bravo team and the POVs from the pirates/terrorist group. Bedlam Bravo has five plus people in it, and the pirates/terrorist group has many more than that.
  
  When either POV group would split up on missions, I sometimes had trouble remembering who exactly was being referenced.
  
  The number of locations didn't bother me, nor did the fact that I have never been to these places. I think that the combination of keeping track of who was who on top of them going from location to location did tend to slow up my reading pace from time to time.
  
  Now, this wasn't too serious. I would simply take a moment, and think "Oh right, this is that character that just did ___". Then I would move on.
  
  Also, I'm not in complete agreement of the ending (obviously I can't say much about that here because I don't believe in spoiling reads) with the pirate/terrorist group. Again, I can't really explain this in detail, but I didn't quite agree with what happened ultimately.
  
  When it comes down to it, Dangerous Alliance is a great international thriller and continuation of the Bedlam series with plenty of chills, thrills, and plot twists to keep you wondering what happens next. I've got the next book on my queue and can't wait to continue this series.
  
  Happy Reading Everyone!
• 
  Barbara Russell

  After reading the first book of the series, The Kurdish Connection, I couldn’t miss the second instalment of the series. The Bedlam boys are back with a new adventure. There’s more action, more tension in this novel, but the same smooth writing with lots of details about life in North Korea.
  Strongly recommend it.
  
• 
  M.D.

  How could I have forgotten to review this book? I want to start by saying I’m not a huge fan for military mysteries (I guess that’s the way to classify this story), but the author Mr. Krzak has got my attention with both books in this series, with the third coming out. I’ve really enjoyed the characters and the story telling. This is one of those stories that you get so wrapped up in that you lose track of all time.
  
  I don’t want to give anything away, but if you’re looking for a juicy series to get sucked into, this is for you. And if you’re like me and not so sure, well trust me, this story and the series are too much fun to pass up.
• 
  Mark Bierman

  Plenty of action in this book to satiate those who love adventure. This novel brings the world to your doorstep. The political struggles, backroom deals, secretive missions, and puppetry of the most heinous dictatorships become very real. They are no longer just news stories to be viewed while eating dinner.
  
  Randall’s extensive experience with the military and travels are reflected in his writing style. This author has ‘been there’ and his knowledge of technical terms and cultures is impressive.
  
  The perspectives do change quickly, so hypervigilance to the plot and characters is required.
  
  Dangerous Alliance was an eye-opener for me, and I wouldn’t hesitate to read another book written by Krzak. I give this book Five Stars!
  
• 
  John Podlaski

  DANGEROUS ALLIANCE by Randall Krzak took me a while to get into it as I found myself confused with the introduction of so many characters participating in the four sub-plots of this story. Once I determined which characters were assigned to which sub-plot, it was easier for me to follow and keep up with.
  
  North Korea was collapsing because of the sanctions imposed upon them by the United Nations and desperately needed oil to survive. Russia and China would not accommodate them so they looked elsewhere for help. The pirates of Somalia were eager to help in exchange for weapons since they were planning to overthrow the Kenyan government. The British secret service was involved first to stop the pirates from overtaking ships in the Indian Ocean and holding them for ransom, and then, to rescue a member of the British royal family who was captured and held by terrorists. The author appeared to be familiar with the countries in that part of the world, his details about the land, customs, and living conditions were as if he were a native and wrote from memory.
  
  In the story, promises were made to be broken and double-crosses were planned far in advance. Readers soon wonder who is a friend and who is a foe.
  
  Randall did an excellent job at bringing all the sub-plots together at the end of the story for a final resolution. I would recommend this story to anyone craving an intriguing and compelling story that might be more fact than fiction. Great job, Randall!
• 
  Candlelight

  Simply Intriguing = Simple to read yet an intriguing page turner for me! I don't usually read this genre but was fortunate to win a copy from Goodreads and I'm so glad I did. I actually learned a lot, from covert operations to new words and that I surely should read more books in this category. Looking forward to reading more from RK - Many thanks to RK and Goodreads 💙
• 
  Rox Burkey

  Author Randall Krzak knows how to grab readers and keep them turning the pages. The subplots kept me guessing, and yet I was unable to put it down.
  
  The descriptions of the scenes are vivid. The lines are drawn with political messiness woven around the players. Colonel Trevor Franklin, as a team leader for Bedlam Bravo, is an interesting character, and I enjoyed watching his clear-headedness with his interactions. Great character development.
  This passage is an excellent example of the way Randall makes your senses participate with your imagination.
  
  "Sporadic laughter and shouts continued as the game reached its climax. The victor shouted, jumped to his feet, and raced to the women.
  He grabbed the arm of one and dragged her to an empty building while the losers whistled. The remaining women dashed back to their building. Jamiila moved to her makeshift bed.
  Silence descended over the camp. The embers from the evening fire winked out one by one.
  "Aarrgh!"
  Jamiila jumped to her feet and glanced outside. Asad ran past, brandishing a small flaming branch, and entered the building where the shax winner had taken his bride.
  Curious, everyone crowded around the hut.
  Jamiila pushed through to Asad's side. "What happened?"
  "The bride carried a hidden knife. She slit her husband's throat." Jamiila moved forward but Asad stopped her.
  "Don't. There is blood everywhere."
  
  Just when you think you know what is doing to occur, the story will shift, then change again, all in a compelling way. I recommend this to those who enjoy thrillers and realistic military engagement. A satisfying read you should grab now.
  
• 
  H.R. Kemp

  An action packed, adventure-filled, political thriller that takes the reader on a wild ride across continents to avert an international crisis.
  
  Bedlam Bravo team set out to thwart a band of terrorists who are implicated in the disappearance of cargo and tourist ships. The plot involves players from Kenya, Somalia, North Korea, and China,. There's plenty of action, secrets, betrayal, and thrills.
  
  A well-written thriller. The story flowed from action to action, drew on subplots that kept me intrigued, and entertained.
  
  An enjoyable read in the style of Frederick Forsythe.
• 
  V.M. Sang

  The story is set in present day North Korea, Somalia and London. It tells of how an alliance is made between North Korea and Somali pirates. Of course, everyone cheats everyone else, and to add to the intrigue, the Somali pirates kidnap an important personage who is working in a refugee camp. An undercover group, working for MI6 (or is it 5, I forget) is sent to both rescue the prisoner and to capture the pirates.
  Of course, there is the North Korean ambassador, being forced, under threat, to bring about the trade between his country and the pirates.
  Randall Krzak is an accomplished writer, and tells the story with authority. He brings the places and characters to life. His prose is excellent/
  There is a twist at the end, when some of the relationships of the people are brought to light.
  The story is full of action, and keeps you turning the page.
  An brilliant read. I have no problem with giving it 5 stars.