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Joe Ledger #5.5
Joe Ledger: Special Ops
Captain Joe Ledger. Former cop. Former Army Ranger. Currently the top-kick of Echo Team, an elite squad of first-class shooters who roll out to face down the world’s most dangerous terrorists. Not fanatics with explosive vests or political hostage takers. Joe and his team square off against terrorists who have the most advanced and exotic weapons of mass destruction. Designer bioweapons. Cutting edge transgenics. Real mad scientist stuff.
If they have to call Joe Ledger – it’s already hit the fan.
JOE LEDGER: SPECIAL OPS collects several of the Ledger short stories and presents two brand new tales exclusive to this volume. Bonus features include character profiles and a never-before-published glimpse behind the scenes of the Department of Military Sciences.
Join the Hunt!
Includes:
Countdown
Zero Tolerance
Deep, Dark
Material Witness
Changeling
Mad Science
Artifact
The Handyman Gets Out
Borrowed Power
Inside the DMS (Character Profiles)
and:
Joe Ledger Reading Chronology
Interview with Ray Porter (The voice of Joe Ledger!)
About the Author
If they have to call Joe Ledger – it’s already hit the fan.
JOE LEDGER: SPECIAL OPS collects several of the Ledger short stories and presents two brand new tales exclusive to this volume. Bonus features include character profiles and a never-before-published glimpse behind the scenes of the Department of Military Sciences.
Join the Hunt!
Includes:
Countdown
Zero Tolerance
Deep, Dark
Material Witness
Changeling
Mad Science
Artifact
The Handyman Gets Out
Borrowed Power
Inside the DMS (Character Profiles)
and:
Joe Ledger Reading Chronology
Interview with Ray Porter (The voice of Joe Ledger!)
About the Author
284 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2014
82 people are currently reading
2252 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Maberry
515 books7,717 followersJONATHAN MABERRY is a New York Times best-seller and Audible #1 bestseller, five-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, anthology editor, comic book writer, executive producer, magazine feature writer, playwright, and writing teacher/lecturer. He is the editor of WEIRD TALES Magazine and president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers. He is the recipient of the Inkpot Award, three Scribe Awards, and was named one of the Today’s Top Ten Horror Writers. His books have been sold to more than thirty countries. He writes in several genres including thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and mystery; and he writes for adults, middle grade, and young adult.
Jonathan is the creator, editor and co-author of V-WARS, a shared-world vampire anthology from IDW Publishing that was adapted into a NETFLIX series starring Ian Somerhalder (LOST, VAMPIRE DIARIES).
His young adult fiction includes ROT & RUIN (2011; was named in Booklist’s Ten Best Horror Novels for Young Adults, an American Library Association Top Pick, a Bram Stoker and Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading winner; winner of several state Teen Book Awards including the Cricket, Nutmeg and MASL; winner of the Cybils Award, the Eva Perry Mock Printz medal, Dead Letter Best Novel Award, and four Melinda Awards); DUST & DECAY (winner of the 2011 Bram Stoker Award; FLESH & BONE (winner of the Bram Stoker Award; 2012; and FIRE & ASH (August 2013). BROKEN LANDS, the first of a new spin-off series, debuted in 2018 and was followed by LOST ROADS in fall 2020. ROT & RUIN is in development for film by ALCON ENTERTAINMENT and was adapted as a WEBTOON (a serialized comic formatted for cell phones), becoming their #1 horror comic.
His novels include the enormously popular Joe Ledger series from St. Martin’s Griffin (PATIENT ZERO, 2009, winner of the Black Quill and a Bram Stoker Award finalist for Best Novel) and eleven other volumes, most recently RELENTLESS. His middle grade novel, THE NIGHTSIDERS BOOK 1: THE ORPHAN ARMY (Simon & Schuster) was named one the 100 Best Books for Children 2015. His standalone novels include MARS ONE, GLIMPSE, INK, GHOSTWALKERS (based on the DEADLANDS role-playing game), X-FILES ORIGINS: DEVIL’S ADVOCATE, and THE WOLFMAN --winner of the Scribe Award for Best Movie Adaptation
His horror novels include The Pine Deep Trilogy from Pinnacle Books (GHOST ROAD BLUES, 2006, winner of the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel and named one of the 25 Best Horror Novels of the New Millennium; DEAD MAN’S SONG, 2007; and BAD MOON RISING, 2008; as well as DEAD OF NIGHT, and its sequels, FALL OF NIGHT, DARK OF NIGHT, and STILL OF NIGHT.
His epic fantasy series, KAGEN THE DAMNED debuts in May 2022. And he just signed to co-author (with Weston Ochse) a new series of military science fiction novels that launches the SLEEPERS series. Jonathan will also be launching a new series of science fiction horror novels for the newly established Weird Tales Presents imprint of Blackstone Publishing.
He is also the editor of three THE X-FILES anthologies; the dark fantasy anthology series, OUT OF TUNE; SCARY OUT THERE, an anthology of horror for teens; and the anthologies ALIENS: BUG HUNT, NIGHTS OF THE LIVING DEAD (with George Romero), JOE LEDGER UNSTOPPABLE (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt); two volumes of mysteries: ALTERNATE SHERLOCKS and THE GAME’S AFOOT (with Michael Ventrella); and ALIENS V PREDATOR: ULTIMATE PREY (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt). He is also the editor of DON’T TURN OUT THE LIGHTS, the official tribute to SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK. His next anthology will be ALIENS VS PREDATOR: ULTIMATE PREY (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt), debuting in spring 2022.
Jonathan was an expert on the History Channel documentary series, ZOMBIES: A Living History and TRUE MONSTERS. And he was participated in the commentary track for NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: REANIMATED.
His many nonfiction works include VAMPIRE UNIVERSE (Citadel Press, 2006); THE CRYPTOPED
Jonathan is the creator, editor and co-author of V-WARS, a shared-world vampire anthology from IDW Publishing that was adapted into a NETFLIX series starring Ian Somerhalder (LOST, VAMPIRE DIARIES).
His young adult fiction includes ROT & RUIN (2011; was named in Booklist’s Ten Best Horror Novels for Young Adults, an American Library Association Top Pick, a Bram Stoker and Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading winner; winner of several state Teen Book Awards including the Cricket, Nutmeg and MASL; winner of the Cybils Award, the Eva Perry Mock Printz medal, Dead Letter Best Novel Award, and four Melinda Awards); DUST & DECAY (winner of the 2011 Bram Stoker Award; FLESH & BONE (winner of the Bram Stoker Award; 2012; and FIRE & ASH (August 2013). BROKEN LANDS, the first of a new spin-off series, debuted in 2018 and was followed by LOST ROADS in fall 2020. ROT & RUIN is in development for film by ALCON ENTERTAINMENT and was adapted as a WEBTOON (a serialized comic formatted for cell phones), becoming their #1 horror comic.
His novels include the enormously popular Joe Ledger series from St. Martin’s Griffin (PATIENT ZERO, 2009, winner of the Black Quill and a Bram Stoker Award finalist for Best Novel) and eleven other volumes, most recently RELENTLESS. His middle grade novel, THE NIGHTSIDERS BOOK 1: THE ORPHAN ARMY (Simon & Schuster) was named one the 100 Best Books for Children 2015. His standalone novels include MARS ONE, GLIMPSE, INK, GHOSTWALKERS (based on the DEADLANDS role-playing game), X-FILES ORIGINS: DEVIL’S ADVOCATE, and THE WOLFMAN --winner of the Scribe Award for Best Movie Adaptation
His horror novels include The Pine Deep Trilogy from Pinnacle Books (GHOST ROAD BLUES, 2006, winner of the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel and named one of the 25 Best Horror Novels of the New Millennium; DEAD MAN’S SONG, 2007; and BAD MOON RISING, 2008; as well as DEAD OF NIGHT, and its sequels, FALL OF NIGHT, DARK OF NIGHT, and STILL OF NIGHT.
His epic fantasy series, KAGEN THE DAMNED debuts in May 2022. And he just signed to co-author (with Weston Ochse) a new series of military science fiction novels that launches the SLEEPERS series. Jonathan will also be launching a new series of science fiction horror novels for the newly established Weird Tales Presents imprint of Blackstone Publishing.
He is also the editor of three THE X-FILES anthologies; the dark fantasy anthology series, OUT OF TUNE; SCARY OUT THERE, an anthology of horror for teens; and the anthologies ALIENS: BUG HUNT, NIGHTS OF THE LIVING DEAD (with George Romero), JOE LEDGER UNSTOPPABLE (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt); two volumes of mysteries: ALTERNATE SHERLOCKS and THE GAME’S AFOOT (with Michael Ventrella); and ALIENS V PREDATOR: ULTIMATE PREY (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt). He is also the editor of DON’T TURN OUT THE LIGHTS, the official tribute to SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK. His next anthology will be ALIENS VS PREDATOR: ULTIMATE PREY (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt), debuting in spring 2022.
Jonathan was an expert on the History Channel documentary series, ZOMBIES: A Living History and TRUE MONSTERS. And he was participated in the commentary track for NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: REANIMATED.
His many nonfiction works include VAMPIRE UNIVERSE (Citadel Press, 2006); THE CRYPTOPED
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
August 12, 2015
The first story I read that had Joe Ledger as a character was in Mr. Maberry's story in "Limbus II" which I quite enjoyed.
Joe Ledger series, the short stories:
13 - "Countdown" - 2009 - A predecessor to "Patient Zero" the first Joe Ledger novel
21 - "Zero Tolerence" - 2009 originally published in "The Living Dead 2" edited by John Joseph Adams
41 - "Deep Dark" - 2009 - This story takes place after the events of "Patient Zero"
63 - "Material Witness" - 2011 - Takes place after "Patient Zero"
95 - "Changeling" - 2013 - Takes place several weeks after the events in "Dragon Factory" - - originally published in "Midnight Echo Magazine" in Australia
137 - "Mad Science" - 2013 - originally published in "Liar Liar"
165 - "Artifact" - 2014 - original to this collection
191 - "The Handyman Gets Out" 2014 - Original to this collection
219 - "Borrowed Power" - 2013 - As an e-book
253 - "Inside The DMS" - 2014 (Character Profiles)
265 - Joe Ledger reading Chronology - 2014
271 - Interview with Ray Porter
277 - About The Author
I enjoy Jonathan Maberry's writing. I have a small issue with these stories. There is a similarity in plot in many of them. You got your bad guy, this is usually a mad scientist, or evil bad guy out of central casting, or wealthy drug company owner gone bad. Then you place Joe Ledger and the bad guy's minion in a combative be killed or kill situation.
This is ok for the most part, but as I say gets a bit repetitive. The stories are fun, at time funny, with the cleaver repartee.
An over all change of pace in my reading, and I did really like those contributions by Mr. Maberry in the Limbus books.
Joe Ledger series, the short stories:
13 - "Countdown" - 2009 - A predecessor to "Patient Zero" the first Joe Ledger novel
21 - "Zero Tolerence" - 2009 originally published in "The Living Dead 2" edited by John Joseph Adams
41 - "Deep Dark" - 2009 - This story takes place after the events of "Patient Zero"
63 - "Material Witness" - 2011 - Takes place after "Patient Zero"
95 - "Changeling" - 2013 - Takes place several weeks after the events in "Dragon Factory" - - originally published in "Midnight Echo Magazine" in Australia
137 - "Mad Science" - 2013 - originally published in "Liar Liar"
165 - "Artifact" - 2014 - original to this collection
191 - "The Handyman Gets Out" 2014 - Original to this collection
219 - "Borrowed Power" - 2013 - As an e-book
253 - "Inside The DMS" - 2014 (Character Profiles)
265 - Joe Ledger reading Chronology - 2014
271 - Interview with Ray Porter
277 - About The Author
I enjoy Jonathan Maberry's writing. I have a small issue with these stories. There is a similarity in plot in many of them. You got your bad guy, this is usually a mad scientist, or evil bad guy out of central casting, or wealthy drug company owner gone bad. Then you place Joe Ledger and the bad guy's minion in a combative be killed or kill situation.
This is ok for the most part, but as I say gets a bit repetitive. The stories are fun, at time funny, with the cleaver repartee.
An over all change of pace in my reading, and I did really like those contributions by Mr. Maberry in the Limbus books.
April 25, 2014
Review copy
Joe Ledger: Special Ops is a collection of short stories set in the same world as Jonathan Mayberry' s popular series of Joe Ledger novels, currently at six and more on the way.
For the uninitiated, Captain Joe Ledger is a former Baltimore cop and Army Ranger who was recruited by the Department of Military Sciences, a team of special operators charged with combating terrorists in possession of cutting-edge bioweapons.
The eleven stories in this collection cover everything from just before Patient Zero to just before Code Zero the newest Joe Ledger novel.
If you're already a fan of the series, here's a chance to catch some of the shorts you may have missed. If you're not already reading the Joe Ledger novels you can get a feel for what all the excitement is about, but be forewarned, there are a few spoilers for the main novels.
Jonathan does a nice job of providing a chronology of where each tale falls in the Joe Ledger universe. In addition, there is a complete listing of all the stories to date showing where they fit into the overall timeline.
Maberry' s characters are alive with dialogue that scream realism. Wonderful opening lines like, "The world keeps trying to kill me" and fun lines like, "That ship has sailed and it hit an iceberg."
All of the stories are very entertaining. A must for all Joe Ledger fans, with just the right blend of action and snarky dialogue.
Joe Ledger: Special Ops is available now in a variety of formats from JorrnalStone and Amazon.com.
Recommended.
Joe Ledger: Special Ops is a collection of short stories set in the same world as Jonathan Mayberry' s popular series of Joe Ledger novels, currently at six and more on the way.
For the uninitiated, Captain Joe Ledger is a former Baltimore cop and Army Ranger who was recruited by the Department of Military Sciences, a team of special operators charged with combating terrorists in possession of cutting-edge bioweapons.
The eleven stories in this collection cover everything from just before Patient Zero to just before Code Zero the newest Joe Ledger novel.
If you're already a fan of the series, here's a chance to catch some of the shorts you may have missed. If you're not already reading the Joe Ledger novels you can get a feel for what all the excitement is about, but be forewarned, there are a few spoilers for the main novels.
Jonathan does a nice job of providing a chronology of where each tale falls in the Joe Ledger universe. In addition, there is a complete listing of all the stories to date showing where they fit into the overall timeline.
Maberry' s characters are alive with dialogue that scream realism. Wonderful opening lines like, "The world keeps trying to kill me" and fun lines like, "That ship has sailed and it hit an iceberg."
All of the stories are very entertaining. A must for all Joe Ledger fans, with just the right blend of action and snarky dialogue.
Joe Ledger: Special Ops is available now in a variety of formats from JorrnalStone and Amazon.com.
Recommended.
April 10, 2014
ARC - review
So many amazing Ledger stories in this collection. Several have been previously released, but some were new, and I really enjoyed reading those ones, and re-reading past stories.
Having just finished Code Zero, I wasn't quite ready to leave the Ledger universe, so I finally decided to download the PDF ARC of this collection and get back to reading, and I'm so happy I did. Grab this book if you get the chance. If you love the Ledger universe, you will not be disappointed.
I absolutely loved the two new short stories, particularly Artifact. I'd to read an entire story revolving around it. Of course, if that doesn't happen, I'll just have to reread Artifact from time to time. .
Fangirling review over.
So many amazing Ledger stories in this collection. Several have been previously released, but some were new, and I really enjoyed reading those ones, and re-reading past stories.
Having just finished Code Zero, I wasn't quite ready to leave the Ledger universe, so I finally decided to download the PDF ARC of this collection and get back to reading, and I'm so happy I did. Grab this book if you get the chance. If you love the Ledger universe, you will not be disappointed.
I absolutely loved the two new short stories, particularly Artifact. I'd to read an entire story revolving around it. Of course, if that doesn't happen, I'll just have to reread Artifact from time to time. .
Fangirling review over.
March 19, 2019
Damn I really like this series. I was unsure about the collection of short stories as i am not much of a short story fan. Wow was I surprised. Fantastic add-ons to the main series with lots of nice background info and some deeper insight into several characters minds and motives. I should have know Mayberry wouldn't let me down when it comes to a Joe ledger story, long or short. Very recommended
December 13, 2024
Audiobook (9 hours) narrated by 👋Ray Porter👋
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing (Blackstone Audio, Inc., and Buck 50 Productions, LLC)
Ray Porter is one of those narrators that you don't need to see the award to appreciate the narration. He is one of the few narrators who I would read a novel blind just knowing that he was the one behind the voices of the characters.
Other narrators that are beyond special include:
(I am keeping this to 4, I did start tagging my narrators as award winning and/or awesome and gush often if I have the time to do so)
- Robin Miles for her ability to produce and create dialects and accents, including new ones for alien civilizations. One of the authors where Robin is often found deep in the pages of some exceptions science fiction is Octavia E. Butler,
- January LaVoy who is so adaptable and really a chameleon in the world of narrators. I have run into her in some fantastic books including Charlotte's Web, The Ten Thousand Doors of January, and Listen for the Lie,
- Daniel Henning, who I fell in love with when reading In the Lives of Puppets. His ability to create these fantastic emotional, voices that are full of feeling whether it be energy, loathing, sarcasm, etc. His voices are fantastic regardless of age, gender, class, flesh, robotic, inanimate object... A leaf making it's dramatic descent from it's life on a grand, or not so grand, maple to a pond, fast moving stream or river, quiet meadow, dark woods, into rush hour expressway traffic. I can almost hear the different voices and interpretations. Seriously, a narrator who should be enjoyed at least once. I often found him hanging out in books by T.J. Klune (I have a beef with Klune's last novel but the narration was on point).
- Rebecca Soler has the ability of carrying several voices in conversation, that are easy to recognize and differentiate. She is also fantastic at creating moments, small and intimate, big and dramatic, vulnerable, tragic... so many moments. I am shocked that her recognition has been rather small, as she should have more awards and certainly nominations especially in the fantasy genre. I have enjoyed her. Series where you may recognize her from include The Empyrean, first book= Fourth Wing, and The Lunar Chronicles, first book= Cinder
Oh! At the end of this book, Ray Porter talks about his narration methods briefly. Those interested in narration either as a listener or narrating themselves may be interested in what he has to say. It isn't extremely detailed but it is a glimpse into a day in the life of an exceptional narrator.
This is an in between book, volume #5.5, that has several stories spanning from the prequel of the series up until a lead in to book #6, Code Zero. Some of the short stories I had previously read, two stories are only available in this novel, so if you are either a completionist or you love the in between close up stories, this is a must read as part of the series.
I really prefer to read the stories in order, prior to the books that they lead into so that I am in that moment and I don't get any spoilers. There's certainly nothing wrong with reading it all at once, but I think picking it up, marking where the stories fit if you prefer and then reading it when it fits. The stories are in order and for the audiobook, Ray Porter does announce when this takes place and that it would spoil x, so it's very clear where the event belongs in the series. I would imagine that the print volume does the same.
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing (Blackstone Audio, Inc., and Buck 50 Productions, LLC)
Ray Porter is one of those narrators that you don't need to see the award to appreciate the narration. He is one of the few narrators who I would read a novel blind just knowing that he was the one behind the voices of the characters.
Other narrators that are beyond special include:
(I am keeping this to 4, I did start tagging my narrators as award winning and/or awesome and gush often if I have the time to do so)
- Robin Miles for her ability to produce and create dialects and accents, including new ones for alien civilizations. One of the authors where Robin is often found deep in the pages of some exceptions science fiction is Octavia E. Butler,
- January LaVoy who is so adaptable and really a chameleon in the world of narrators. I have run into her in some fantastic books including Charlotte's Web, The Ten Thousand Doors of January, and Listen for the Lie,
- Daniel Henning, who I fell in love with when reading In the Lives of Puppets. His ability to create these fantastic emotional, voices that are full of feeling whether it be energy, loathing, sarcasm, etc. His voices are fantastic regardless of age, gender, class, flesh, robotic, inanimate object... A leaf making it's dramatic descent from it's life on a grand, or not so grand, maple to a pond, fast moving stream or river, quiet meadow, dark woods, into rush hour expressway traffic. I can almost hear the different voices and interpretations. Seriously, a narrator who should be enjoyed at least once. I often found him hanging out in books by T.J. Klune (I have a beef with Klune's last novel but the narration was on point).
- Rebecca Soler has the ability of carrying several voices in conversation, that are easy to recognize and differentiate. She is also fantastic at creating moments, small and intimate, big and dramatic, vulnerable, tragic... so many moments. I am shocked that her recognition has been rather small, as she should have more awards and certainly nominations especially in the fantasy genre. I have enjoyed her. Series where you may recognize her from include The Empyrean, first book= Fourth Wing, and The Lunar Chronicles, first book= Cinder
Oh! At the end of this book, Ray Porter talks about his narration methods briefly. Those interested in narration either as a listener or narrating themselves may be interested in what he has to say. It isn't extremely detailed but it is a glimpse into a day in the life of an exceptional narrator.
This is an in between book, volume #5.5, that has several stories spanning from the prequel of the series up until a lead in to book #6, Code Zero. Some of the short stories I had previously read, two stories are only available in this novel, so if you are either a completionist or you love the in between close up stories, this is a must read as part of the series.
I really prefer to read the stories in order, prior to the books that they lead into so that I am in that moment and I don't get any spoilers. There's certainly nothing wrong with reading it all at once, but I think picking it up, marking where the stories fit if you prefer and then reading it when it fits. The stories are in order and for the audiobook, Ray Porter does announce when this takes place and that it would spoil x, so it's very clear where the event belongs in the series. I would imagine that the print volume does the same.
November 17, 2014
I received this book from Library thing in exchange for a review.
Joe Ledger: Special Ops is a collection of short stories about the character Joe Ledger and the Department of Militarily Science (DMS) This book has a great blend of action and dialogue.
There are many elements of horror as well as mad-scientist elements. There are some spoilers in the book if you are new to the Joe Ledger series.
I found this book to be a page turner. I found these short stories to be action packed and suspenseful. I could not wait for the next story to find out what Joe Ledger and the DMS would get into next.
Joe Ledger: Special Ops is a collection of short stories about the character Joe Ledger and the Department of Militarily Science (DMS) This book has a great blend of action and dialogue.
There are many elements of horror as well as mad-scientist elements. There are some spoilers in the book if you are new to the Joe Ledger series.
I found this book to be a page turner. I found these short stories to be action packed and suspenseful. I could not wait for the next story to find out what Joe Ledger and the DMS would get into next.
November 13, 2019
Found this one on a browse for a new Jack Reacher and/or Court Gentry, and possibly a John Pellam. Instead I found Joe Ledger. Another bad ass not looking for trouble or creating mayhem....well, not directly that is. A very quick read, fast paced and somewhat futuristic almost leaning toward sci-fi, but a darn good read nonetheless. Looking forward to more from Jonathan Maberry, hopefully our friends at YT have more available.
June 17, 2016
Fiction - Black Ops/Super Covert off the Books Ops/Bio-Weapons/Trans-Genics/Mad Scientists
G/R Book Descriptions says it best:
"Captain Joe Ledger. Former cop. Former Army Ranger. Currently the top-kick of Echo Team, an elite squad of first-class shooters who roll out to face down the world’s most dangerous terrorists. Not fanatics with explosive vests or political hostage takers. Joe and his team square off against terrorists who have the most advanced and exotic weapons of mass destruction. Designer bioweapons. Cutting edge transgenics. Real mad scientist stuff.
If they have to call Joe Ledger – it’s already hit the fan.
JOE LEDGER: SPECIAL OPS collects several of the Ledger short stories and presents two brand new tales exclusive to this volume. Bonus features include character profiles and a never-before-published glimpse behind the scenes of the Department of Military Sciences.
Terrific addition to the Joe Ledger series. I've thoroughly enjoyed every single book and will soon be reading the latest, #8 Kill Switch.
I enjoyed the between-books stories in this volume, and loved the brand new stories. Wow, these SO need to become part of a full book! Good to get more Joe, Bug, Mr. Church et al, and see characters from previous books in new stories.
* Artifact: This story is so outstanding that I'm surprised Jonathan Maberry released it as a short. I kept thinking, wow, he could expand this and it'd be one more full length Joe Ledger blockbuster!
* The Handyman Gets Out: This nail-biter answers the question, how do you escape when you're naked, duct-taped to a chair, in a room with an uber-bad guy with a gang of thugs with guns? No back up is coming, no one knows where you are. There's a generator with wires to be attached to you, payback for your previous efforts against this bad guy. Not looking good for Joe at all. Plus he's missing a day off with tickets to the Orioles game -- for this?
G/R Book Descriptions says it best:
"Captain Joe Ledger. Former cop. Former Army Ranger. Currently the top-kick of Echo Team, an elite squad of first-class shooters who roll out to face down the world’s most dangerous terrorists. Not fanatics with explosive vests or political hostage takers. Joe and his team square off against terrorists who have the most advanced and exotic weapons of mass destruction. Designer bioweapons. Cutting edge transgenics. Real mad scientist stuff.
If they have to call Joe Ledger – it’s already hit the fan.
JOE LEDGER: SPECIAL OPS collects several of the Ledger short stories and presents two brand new tales exclusive to this volume. Bonus features include character profiles and a never-before-published glimpse behind the scenes of the Department of Military Sciences.
Terrific addition to the Joe Ledger series. I've thoroughly enjoyed every single book and will soon be reading the latest, #8 Kill Switch.
I enjoyed the between-books stories in this volume, and loved the brand new stories. Wow, these SO need to become part of a full book! Good to get more Joe, Bug, Mr. Church et al, and see characters from previous books in new stories.
* Artifact: This story is so outstanding that I'm surprised Jonathan Maberry released it as a short. I kept thinking, wow, he could expand this and it'd be one more full length Joe Ledger blockbuster!
* The Handyman Gets Out: This nail-biter answers the question, how do you escape when you're naked, duct-taped to a chair, in a room with an uber-bad guy with a gang of thugs with guns? No back up is coming, no one knows where you are. There's a generator with wires to be attached to you, payback for your previous efforts against this bad guy. Not looking good for Joe at all. Plus he's missing a day off with tickets to the Orioles game -- for this?
November 14, 2013
Captain Joe Ledger. Former cop. Former Army Ranger. Currently the top-kick of Echo Team, an elite squad of first-class shooters who roll out to face down the world’s most dangerous terrorists. Not fanatics with explosive vests or political hostage takers. Joe and his team square off against terrorists who have the most advanced and exotic weapons of mass destruction. Designer bioweapons. Cutting edge transgenics. Real mad scientist stuff.
If they have to call Joe Ledger out –it’s already hit the fan.
JOE LEDGER: SPECIAL OPS collects several of the Ledger short stories and presents two brand new tales exclusive to this volume. Bonus features include character profiles and a never-before-published glimpse behind the scenes of the Department of Military Sciences.
Join the Hunt!
Includes:
ARTIFACT – original short story
Joe Ledger goes after an enigmatic device that could hold the key to permanent sustainable energy –or could become the most dangerous weapon on earth.
THE HANDYMAN – original short story
Joe Ledger is naked and unarmed and has to escape a high-security facility armed with whatever he can find. Expect Joe to get cranky.
Borrowed Power, Changeling, Countdown, Deep Dark, Mad Science, Material Witness and Zero Tolerance
Bonus features include character profiles and a never-before-published glimpse behind the scenes of the Department of Military Sciences.
If they have to call Joe Ledger out –it’s already hit the fan.
JOE LEDGER: SPECIAL OPS collects several of the Ledger short stories and presents two brand new tales exclusive to this volume. Bonus features include character profiles and a never-before-published glimpse behind the scenes of the Department of Military Sciences.
Join the Hunt!
Includes:
ARTIFACT – original short story
Joe Ledger goes after an enigmatic device that could hold the key to permanent sustainable energy –or could become the most dangerous weapon on earth.
THE HANDYMAN – original short story
Joe Ledger is naked and unarmed and has to escape a high-security facility armed with whatever he can find. Expect Joe to get cranky.
Borrowed Power, Changeling, Countdown, Deep Dark, Mad Science, Material Witness and Zero Tolerance
Bonus features include character profiles and a never-before-published glimpse behind the scenes of the Department of Military Sciences.
March 3, 2014
Just finished reading this book. I am a new fan and these books are going to be added to my bookshelves. I am going to have to read all of this series. Joe is someone you want on your side. You will not want to go up against Joe and his team anytime. I loved the writing the way you were kept in the middle of all the action and the action never stopped. Loved everything about this book. Thank You
September 19, 2020
Notes:
3.5 Stars Round Up for Excellent Narration by Ray Porter
- None of these will stand well by themselves. They are fun additions to the whole.
- Some of the stories were like informal briefings. I liked that. Others were snippets that add to the overall series and events.
- Great Narration by Ray Porter. He's definitely Joe in my head.
- Range of 3 to 4 Stars on Stories
3.5 Stars Round Up for Excellent Narration by Ray Porter
- None of these will stand well by themselves. They are fun additions to the whole.
- Some of the stories were like informal briefings. I liked that. Others were snippets that add to the overall series and events.
- Great Narration by Ray Porter. He's definitely Joe in my head.
- Range of 3 to 4 Stars on Stories
March 6, 2023
5 Stars
It's Joe Ledger. Need I say more??
Short stories centered around Joe and occasionally other members of the DMS. Each story is preluded with spoiler alerts, and lets you know when it takes place.
Good info in the last 5 pages or so, about main characters, organizations and who is who in this alternate reality, because really; do we want this to be in the realm of possibility?
It's Joe Ledger. Need I say more??
Short stories centered around Joe and occasionally other members of the DMS. Each story is preluded with spoiler alerts, and lets you know when it takes place.
Good info in the last 5 pages or so, about main characters, organizations and who is who in this alternate reality, because really; do we want this to be in the realm of possibility?
March 17, 2014
I won an ARC of this book through the Goodreads Firstreads Giveaway program. I had read several of Maberry's horror novels, some of his comics work, and quite a lot of his short fiction pieces, but had not yet read of the Joe Ledger stories. I wasn't quite sure what to expect; the cover makes it look like a spy/thriller in the tradition of Ludlum or Clancy, but some of the things I've read made me think it might be science fiction or horror or adventure or... any of several other potential labels. The answer was yes to all, and quite well done, too. There are nine stories in the collection, along with a chronology, a roster of the main characters from the series, and, curiously enough, an interview of the man who reads the stories for audio release. One of the stories is an entertaining cross-over with the Pine Deep books and some are essentially zombie stories, but the major theme is the threat of genetic manipulation as a terrorist threat. They're all very hard-boiled macho adventures; you might have to watch some Chuck Norris or something from the Stallone oeuvre just to settle things down after a couple of Joe's exploits. The first chapter of the first story in the series illustrates this perfectly: "I didn't plan to kill anyone. I wasn't totally against the idea, either. Sometimes things just fall that way, and either you roll with it or it rolls over you. Letting the bad guys win isn't how I roll." Anyone who ever threw a thumbs-up to Frank Castle is going to be on board immediately. There were a couple of situations that went over the top a little in my estimation, verging on Man from U.N.C.L.E. territory... there was a scene in one of the stories where Joe is captured, stripped of his gadgets and his clothes, taped to a chair, and then has a discussion with the villain about how James Bond would handle the situation... and then he does pretty much the same thing... but it was all great fun, and very well written. I've already picked up PATIENT ZERO, the first novel in the series, and I'm looking forward to more adventures.
June 12, 2014
My full Joe Ledger: Special Ops audiobook review can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
I was so excited to listen to more Ledger that I didn't even realize that the first two stories were also included in Joe Ledger: The Missing Files. Initially I was very irritated. Thinking that I just got duped to spend money on stories that I already own. Then came the new ones and all was forgiven.
I love the creativity of Maberry. He is able to take a simple series of the most engrossing characters and weave them in and out of all the stand alone novels and his other series. And it isn't annoying to me at all. It just makes my want to explore more of the world, yes he is creating a singular world, that he has crafted.
Many of the stories contained in Joe Ledger: Special Ops serve multiple purposes. First, they are a great way for newcomers to this storyline to explore without getting too involved. Second, they let us, the listeners, know what is going on in between full length novels. This is important to die-hard fans. Sure there are some major spoilers for many of the novels, but this is great, Maberry has added disclaimers at the beginning of each to let us know if we should continue or not.
Even if you are like me and do not really like anthologies. Yet you're a Ledger / Maberry fan. You will eat this short collection for breakfast. So if you love or even hat Ledger, do your self a favor and listen to this one.
Audiobook provided for review by the publisher.
I was so excited to listen to more Ledger that I didn't even realize that the first two stories were also included in Joe Ledger: The Missing Files. Initially I was very irritated. Thinking that I just got duped to spend money on stories that I already own. Then came the new ones and all was forgiven.
I love the creativity of Maberry. He is able to take a simple series of the most engrossing characters and weave them in and out of all the stand alone novels and his other series. And it isn't annoying to me at all. It just makes my want to explore more of the world, yes he is creating a singular world, that he has crafted.
Many of the stories contained in Joe Ledger: Special Ops serve multiple purposes. First, they are a great way for newcomers to this storyline to explore without getting too involved. Second, they let us, the listeners, know what is going on in between full length novels. This is important to die-hard fans. Sure there are some major spoilers for many of the novels, but this is great, Maberry has added disclaimers at the beginning of each to let us know if we should continue or not.
Even if you are like me and do not really like anthologies. Yet you're a Ledger / Maberry fan. You will eat this short collection for breakfast. So if you love or even hat Ledger, do your self a favor and listen to this one.
Audiobook provided for review by the publisher.
October 12, 2024
The Handyman Gets Out - 5☆
Borrowed Power - 4☆
Great collection of stories for all Joe Ledger fans!
Borrowed Power - 4☆
Great collection of stories for all Joe Ledger fans!
November 19, 2021
I think I have a crush on Joe Ledger!
April 20, 2022
Excellent!
Love the extra at the end where Jonathan Maberry asks the narrator Ray Porter some questions.
Love the extra at the end where Jonathan Maberry asks the narrator Ray Porter some questions.
March 7, 2014
NOTE: I was sent an electronic ARC of this book and asked to write a review once I had finished it.
Joe Ledger: Special Ops is a collection of short stories that sit within the existing DMS universe, the stories in the book are a combination of completely standalone stories and those that fill in gaps around the other books in the series, so some of them do contain spoilers. These "spoiler" stories are all clearly marked, just in case a reader hasn't worked through the main stories by the time they pick up Special Ops.
If you're an existing fan of the DMS series, than Special Ops is a great addition to the canon, it adds some back story to the characters of Joe and Church while providing some a good dose of the out and out action that Maberry provides throughout the rest of the series. Joe continues to be something of a one man killing machine, at one point provoking fear in a room of bad guys by just saying his name.
The 'horror' elements are abound, with plenty of bio-science to keep Echo team on its toes - there's even an out and out ghost story in there too, just to help mix it up a bit.
One downside to the approach taken with each of the short stories is that you are re-introduced to characters time and again, as they reappear in each new story you get nearly the same bit of description repeated. This would be fine in standalone stories, but the chances are that you'll just plow straight through the book and probably not need to be told that Mr Church is Joe's boss every time he gets mentioned for the first time in any given story.
This repetition is just in the nature of the collection, but some further editing to refine it and remove some of the really unnecessary repetition would have been appreciated and it would not have had any impact at all on the stories themselves.
All in all, Special Ops is an enjoyable jaunt back into the world of the DMS, it helps tidy up some loose ends from the other books in the series and provides some fresh stories about what else Joe Ledger has gotten up to. A worthwhile read for fans (even with the repetitive bits), but not a great starting point for those new to the series.
Joe Ledger: Special Ops is a collection of short stories that sit within the existing DMS universe, the stories in the book are a combination of completely standalone stories and those that fill in gaps around the other books in the series, so some of them do contain spoilers. These "spoiler" stories are all clearly marked, just in case a reader hasn't worked through the main stories by the time they pick up Special Ops.
If you're an existing fan of the DMS series, than Special Ops is a great addition to the canon, it adds some back story to the characters of Joe and Church while providing some a good dose of the out and out action that Maberry provides throughout the rest of the series. Joe continues to be something of a one man killing machine, at one point provoking fear in a room of bad guys by just saying his name.
The 'horror' elements are abound, with plenty of bio-science to keep Echo team on its toes - there's even an out and out ghost story in there too, just to help mix it up a bit.
One downside to the approach taken with each of the short stories is that you are re-introduced to characters time and again, as they reappear in each new story you get nearly the same bit of description repeated. This would be fine in standalone stories, but the chances are that you'll just plow straight through the book and probably not need to be told that Mr Church is Joe's boss every time he gets mentioned for the first time in any given story.
This repetition is just in the nature of the collection, but some further editing to refine it and remove some of the really unnecessary repetition would have been appreciated and it would not have had any impact at all on the stories themselves.
All in all, Special Ops is an enjoyable jaunt back into the world of the DMS, it helps tidy up some loose ends from the other books in the series and provides some fresh stories about what else Joe Ledger has gotten up to. A worthwhile read for fans (even with the repetitive bits), but not a great starting point for those new to the series.
March 21, 2014
I received this book free from the author through LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review. I don’t usually read books with paranormal occurrences. I found that the main emphasis of this book wasn’t on the paranormal. This book is a series of short stories about Joe Ledger and his team kicking ass in several shadowy operations to combat bioterrorism. The workings of Joe Ledger’s mind are intriguing and unique. This book made me think. The happenings in this book really aren’t so far fetched in this day and age with all of our technical and scientific advances in cloning and genomics. I did enjoy reading this book and I plan on reading more about Joe Ledger.
August 2, 2016
I just could not get into this book. I kept reading and the more I read the less interesting it became. You must have to know some of Joe Ledger's past to read. If you have read several of Jonathan Mayberry books, you might enjoy reading this one.
I didn't finish reading this book, put it aside and have thought no more about trying to finish.
Sorry.....
I didn't finish reading this book, put it aside and have thought no more about trying to finish.
Sorry.....
August 8, 2015
Some good extra material fleshing out more of the characters and filling between the novels. A good read for fans of the series.
March 9, 2025
This is a fantastic collection of shorter adventures featuring Joe Ledger, sometimes assisted by his Echo team or temporary ally Violin, but mostly on his own. The tales are action-packed, ruthless, horrific, laced with irony and dark humour, while having a very solid matrix of humane feelings. Violence is neither glorified nor vilified here. The characters perform their roles, and paints nature red in tooth & claw. Above all, they are exceptional action thrillers in every possible sense. Here the author hasn't shied away from hints of supernatural or fantasy. Instead he has hammered a simple fact into our collective brain, that had been summed up by someone long ago~
"There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
The book also has solid character-bios, information on the recurring good and bad people, and a clean reading order with no spoilers, etc.
I had a gala time reading this book, getting simutaneously thrilled, chilled, amazed etc. etc.
Highly recommended.
"There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
The book also has solid character-bios, information on the recurring good and bad people, and a clean reading order with no spoilers, etc.
I had a gala time reading this book, getting simutaneously thrilled, chilled, amazed etc. etc.
Highly recommended.
September 12, 2024
A decent collection of short stories.
3.5/5
3.5/5
August 9, 2016
I received this book in a giveaway on the Library Thing Early Reviewer program.
I started reading this book from a mostly neutral position regarding whether I would enjoy it or not. It looked to have a paranormal theme (which I don’t normally read) so I wasn’t sold on whether this was for me or not. I was pleasantly surprised that the paranormal stuff was very low key and the book turned out to be quite a bit of a “fun” read!!
The book is filled with short story missions that take the main character (Joe Ledger) and his team into action against the minions of evil (assorted zombies and vampires oh my…) . Joe does not let us down and kicks ass from the first page to the last. I did spend some part of the book looking for more detail on both Joe and his team but this was somewhat helped by further details as the book moved along. I know I would have enjoyed this even more if I had read any of the previous Joe Ledger novels and this is something I plan to do in the not too distant future.
As I was reading, it occurred to me that the author was presenting a pretty clear message regarding the evils of unregulated science exploration. All of the actual bad guys in this story (and apparently in other JL novels) are either the scientists generating the miscellaneous monsters or the money guys paying for it. I wonder if my impression is correct???
I can recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of action filled stories. Whether you like zombies, vampires or other monsters or not, you will enjoy this one!!!
4 out 5 stars.
I started reading this book from a mostly neutral position regarding whether I would enjoy it or not. It looked to have a paranormal theme (which I don’t normally read) so I wasn’t sold on whether this was for me or not. I was pleasantly surprised that the paranormal stuff was very low key and the book turned out to be quite a bit of a “fun” read!!
The book is filled with short story missions that take the main character (Joe Ledger) and his team into action against the minions of evil (assorted zombies and vampires oh my…) . Joe does not let us down and kicks ass from the first page to the last. I did spend some part of the book looking for more detail on both Joe and his team but this was somewhat helped by further details as the book moved along. I know I would have enjoyed this even more if I had read any of the previous Joe Ledger novels and this is something I plan to do in the not too distant future.
As I was reading, it occurred to me that the author was presenting a pretty clear message regarding the evils of unregulated science exploration. All of the actual bad guys in this story (and apparently in other JL novels) are either the scientists generating the miscellaneous monsters or the money guys paying for it. I wonder if my impression is correct???
I can recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of action filled stories. Whether you like zombies, vampires or other monsters or not, you will enjoy this one!!!
4 out 5 stars.
April 26, 2014
Joe Ledger was a cop in Baltimore who was recruited to the DMS, an elite service that battles against terrorists and others who pose a threat against the United States.
This is a book of short stories that tell of Joe's actions. He's in charge of the Echo Team who are sent to various missions.
One of my favorite stories is "Zero Tolerance." Joe and his team are sent to Afghanistan. The wife of a leading terrorist is a molecular biologist who has developed a pathogen that turns infected people into hard to kill - zombie like creatures. Joe comes face to face with this woman, Amirah, and it is a struggle for his life.
What I enjoy about Joe's actions is that he shows compassion. A soldier is infected with the pathogen and is beginning to turn into one of the zombie like creatures. Joe asks him if he'd like to have it end now and when the man agrees, Joe puts him out of his misery.
I also enjoyed "The Vault." Here, soldiers who volunteered for a program on genetic enhancements are turned into killing creatures. One of the soldiers is a Marine named James Collins and in much the manner of the previous story, Joe asks Collins if he'd like to be remembered as a Marine who died for his country or what he had turned into. Then Joe takes action.
The reader could compare some of the stories to the horror stories of the past. The stories include many page turners. There is some bleak reality but the plotting and writing is very good and the stories interesting.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
This is a book of short stories that tell of Joe's actions. He's in charge of the Echo Team who are sent to various missions.
One of my favorite stories is "Zero Tolerance." Joe and his team are sent to Afghanistan. The wife of a leading terrorist is a molecular biologist who has developed a pathogen that turns infected people into hard to kill - zombie like creatures. Joe comes face to face with this woman, Amirah, and it is a struggle for his life.
What I enjoy about Joe's actions is that he shows compassion. A soldier is infected with the pathogen and is beginning to turn into one of the zombie like creatures. Joe asks him if he'd like to have it end now and when the man agrees, Joe puts him out of his misery.
I also enjoyed "The Vault." Here, soldiers who volunteered for a program on genetic enhancements are turned into killing creatures. One of the soldiers is a Marine named James Collins and in much the manner of the previous story, Joe asks Collins if he'd like to be remembered as a Marine who died for his country or what he had turned into. Then Joe takes action.
The reader could compare some of the stories to the horror stories of the past. The stories include many page turners. There is some bleak reality but the plotting and writing is very good and the stories interesting.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
January 13, 2022
Review to come only one new to me story in this one.
This is a collection of shorts that have been mostly previously published with a few new ones. You get the prequel story to Patient Zero and several other stories. The one I really liked had been referenced in another book but only as one line, so it was nice to see the entire thing. A good collection for fans of the series but may not be the best for someone to try if they don’t like spoilers for things that happen in the series.
This is a collection of shorts that have been mostly previously published with a few new ones. You get the prequel story to Patient Zero and several other stories. The one I really liked had been referenced in another book but only as one line, so it was nice to see the entire thing. A good collection for fans of the series but may not be the best for someone to try if they don’t like spoilers for things that happen in the series.
March 7, 2015
I had read several of these short stories already. Ledger is easily one of my favorite characters. The way Jonathan brings him to life you can feel for the character without having the experiences he has. As a short husky bearded man I will never be a "Joe Ledger" or a Top or Bunny type person but when you read about Joe's life and his experiences you can almost feel the same he does.
These stories fill in a few gaps between books and give you a little more of Joe and his experiences. I also like the way that Jonathan blends all of his "worlds" together. Getting Crow back for a short story was cool even though I had no idea who he was when I read the short story (I hadn't read Ghost Road Blues or the others as of yet). Knowing how these books (well Joe) tie into his YA Benny Imura series is cool.
Overall just more goodness from Jonathan! Read them all. At the end of this is a reading order for the Ledger books, use it and enjoy!
These stories fill in a few gaps between books and give you a little more of Joe and his experiences. I also like the way that Jonathan blends all of his "worlds" together. Getting Crow back for a short story was cool even though I had no idea who he was when I read the short story (I hadn't read Ghost Road Blues or the others as of yet). Knowing how these books (well Joe) tie into his YA Benny Imura series is cool.
Overall just more goodness from Jonathan! Read them all. At the end of this is a reading order for the Ledger books, use it and enjoy!
May 14, 2015
I received this free copy from the Goodreads Free Giveaway
I was excited to learn that I was going to have the opportunity to read an author that I was not familiar with. From the moment I started, I knew I was hooked. His style of writing takes the reader right to the action. You feel that you are there observing because of the technique he uses to describe in detail what is taking place.
I loved the fast pace of each short story. I have found a new author that i will continue to follow. Thanks for your characters that are strong, fierce and have pride for their country. I cannot wait for more from this author. If you like action, powerful chaacters and a book that you can not put down till you have finished the last word, run and get your copy quickly!
I was excited to learn that I was going to have the opportunity to read an author that I was not familiar with. From the moment I started, I knew I was hooked. His style of writing takes the reader right to the action. You feel that you are there observing because of the technique he uses to describe in detail what is taking place.
I loved the fast pace of each short story. I have found a new author that i will continue to follow. Thanks for your characters that are strong, fierce and have pride for their country. I cannot wait for more from this author. If you like action, powerful chaacters and a book that you can not put down till you have finished the last word, run and get your copy quickly!
April 20, 2016
Review below still stands. I had the opportunity to listen to this and loved it even more.
***********
I always enjoy reading books by Jonathan Maberry, been a huge fan for some time. I especially love the Joe Ledger series. SPECIAL OPS is a superb addition. It's all of the novellas in between each book, filling in extra information or just telling an extra story of Joe and his Echo Team. Excellent action and story, some sadness. Jonathan writes all emotions so well, I feel them with the characters. I often find myself removed from the story as a casual observer when I read other authors. Not so with Jonathan Maberry. Even if you haven't read the series, this will thrill you. And make you want to read the rest of the books. Highly recommended.
***********
I always enjoy reading books by Jonathan Maberry, been a huge fan for some time. I especially love the Joe Ledger series. SPECIAL OPS is a superb addition. It's all of the novellas in between each book, filling in extra information or just telling an extra story of Joe and his Echo Team. Excellent action and story, some sadness. Jonathan writes all emotions so well, I feel them with the characters. I often find myself removed from the story as a casual observer when I read other authors. Not so with Jonathan Maberry. Even if you haven't read the series, this will thrill you. And make you want to read the rest of the books. Highly recommended.
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