The Horse at the Gates

A Political Assassination Thriller

By: D.C. Alden

Narrated by: Alan Medcroft

Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

British Prime Minister Gabriel Bryce lies injured in the hospital, a survivor of the car bomb that has wiped out his cabinet and thrown the country into chaos.

Elsewhere, another IED destroys Britain's biggest mosque, slaughtering hundreds. Framed for the atrocity, former soldier Danny Whelan goes on the run, now Europe's most wanted man.

The plot is underway, the target Britain itself.

As the dead are buried and a new government takes power, both Bryce and Whelan realize they have become pawns in a vast conspiracy, one that intends to crush a rebellious Britain and throw open the gates of Europe.

And if they are to survive the coup, Bryce and Whelan must stay one step ahead of their enemies, led by a ruthless British politician determined to see them both dead.

And Britain transformed for all time.

©2014, 2018 Darrell Alden (P)2019 Darrell Alden

What happened?

A good constructed story, a plot that can be believed and likely destinies. But the book did not end. It trailed and just fell off a cliff. Very strange. Maybe the first half of a book to be completed?
I liked it therefore I want the rest of the story. This book alone becomes unfortunately very much pointless.

Can't wait for part two!!

This was terrific. It takes some of the fears and concerns that people have currently and creates a plot around them. I read the Goodread reviews first, as there were none here and some had concerns that there were some angry people presented in a too favourable light. I disagree strongly. If you are offended by someone being prejudiced or 'racist' and not being presented as a complete monster, stay away from it, but I have two thoughts on that. One is that darker forces thrive in a society when we're afraid to talk about them, so I see no problem at all. Let's bring out whatever is out there and tell stories about it. That's how we process things and move forward. Secondly, it's done as part of the character along with other limitations of outlook, life experiences, plus some criminality and that makes sense.

The other main complaint from some of the Goodread reviews was the abrupt ending of the book. As I was expecting it, gearing myself for it, I found it fine. It could have been worse and at least it wasn't a cliffhanger!!! I would suggest you be aware of that as you're listening to make it easier. Some of the threads are tied up, but some of the characters find a new direction in their lives and we leave them just as that is starting. Perfect for a sequel!!

This is the first book I've read by this author and I will read more. And I'll be watching for the sequel. For this genre, the writing was quite lyrical at times, plus there were peaceful and reflective moments. The narration was excellent by someone new to me that I hope to hear again. There is definitely 'good versus evil' at play in the book or at least 'average versus evil' and it was presented as something rooted in the individual's character, not associated with any group or political outlook. Just as current global trends or issues have not resolved themselves, neither has the plot of this book, so not being sure how it all turns out sounds about right to me.