Audiobook Sample
Listen to the sample to experience the story.
Please wait while we verify your browser...
- Title: Hidden Order: A Thriller
- Author: Brad Thor
- Narrator: Armand Schultz
- Length: 11:19:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 09/07/2013
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Suspense, Political Thriller
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
The moment Armand Schultz’s gravelly voice filled my rental car during a midnight drive through the winding roads of rural Portugal, I knew I was in for something special with Brad Thor’s “Hidden Order: A Thriller”. The audiobook’s opening sequence – a tense, shadowy operation that immediately establishes protagonist Scot Harvath’s lethal capabilities – made the hair on my arms stand up as sharply as the cork trees lining my route.
This experience reminded me of listening to “The Bourne Identity” while crossing the Atlas Mountains in Morocco – that same electric sensation of a fictional world bleeding into your physical surroundings. Thor’s masterful pacing transforms ordinary commutes into heart-pounding missions, and Schultz’s narration delivers each twist with the precision of a sniper’s bullet.
“”The Story That Unfolds Like a Global Conspiracy””
Thor weaves a terrifyingly plausible scenario where America’s most secretive organization goes rogue. As someone who’s documented shadow governments in post-Soviet states and witnessed real political machinations in Latin America, I found the novel’s central premise chilling in its authenticity. The plot’s historical roots in an 18th-century cabal particularly resonated with me after interviewing descendants of Spanish colonial families in Mexico about their own secretive histories.
Schultz’s vocal performance shines brightest during the novel’s many interrogation scenes. His ability to shift between Harvath’s controlled intensity and the panicked responses of his subjects reminded me of those mesmerizing Oaxacan storytellers who could embody an entire village’s worth of characters. You can almost smell the sweat and gunpowder in these exchanges.
“”A Masterclass in Political Suspense””
What makes “Hidden Order” stand out in the crowded thriller genre is Thor’s meticulous research blended with breakneck pacing. The novel’s exploration of:
– Constitutional gray areas
– The fragility of democratic institutions
– The psychology of patriotism
…feels particularly relevant in our current global climate. Listening to Harvath navigate this minefield while driving through Lisbon’s political district – where Salazar’s dictatorship once ruled – added unsettling layers of real-world resonance.
“”The Narration That Delivers Like a Covert Op””
Schultz’s performance deserves special recognition for:
1. “”Character Differentiation””: His subtle vocal shifts between operatives, politicians, and civilians create a vivid ensemble without resorting to caricature
2. “”Pacing Control””: He knows exactly when to accelerate through action sequences and when to linger on Thor’s insightful political commentary
3. “”Emotional Authenticity””: The weariness in Harvath’s voice after particularly brutal encounters feels earned rather than performative
My only critique is that some of the female character voices lean slightly toward the stereotypical, though this is a minor quibble in an otherwise stellar performance.
“”For Whom the Thriller Tolls””
This audiobook will particularly appeal to:
– Fans of Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp series
– Listeners who enjoyed “The Day of the Jackal”‘s meticulous tradecraft
– Anyone who appreciates political thrillers with historical depth
It’s less ideal for those seeking pure escapism, as Thor’s unflinching look at governmental overreach might hit too close to home for some.
“”The Verdict””
“Hidden Order” represents Brad Thor at the top of his game, with Armand Schultz’s narration elevating the material to must-listen status. The 11-hour runtime flew by faster than a black ops extraction, leaving me both satisfied and eager for Harvath’s next mission. This is the rare thriller that entertains while genuinely making you consider the price of national security – perfect for long drives or sleepless nights when you need your adrenaline fix.
Until our next literary adventure, keep your passport and headphones ready.
Marcus Rivera
