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Use of Force: A Thriller (16) (The Scot Harvath Series) Hardcover – June 27, 2017
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As a storm rages across the Mediterranean Sea, a terrifying distress call is made to the Italian Coast Guard. Days later, a body washes ashore. Identified as a high value terrorism suspect (who had disappeared three years prior), his name sends panic through the Central Intelligence Agency. Where was he headed? What was he planning? And could he be connected to the “spectacular attack” they have been fearing all summer? In a race against time, the CIA taps an unorthodox source to get answers: Navy SEAL turned covert counterterrorism operative, Scot Harvath. Hired on a black contract, Harvath will provide the deniability the United States needs, while he breaks every rule along the way.
Teeming with fascinating characters and electrifying intrigue, Brad Thor does it again and proves why he is known around-the-world as the master of thrillers.
- Print length368 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherAtria/Emily Bestler Books
- Publication dateJune 27, 2017
- Dimensions6.13 x 1.2 x 9.25 inches
- ISBN-109781476789385
- ISBN-13978-1476789385
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Feels like the TV show 24 on the page." - Associated Press
"Anyone who thinks that the only thing to fear is fear itself should meet Brad Thor." - Newsweek
"America's favorite author." - KKTX
"One of the best writers you are ever going to read." - WROK
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 1
BURNING MAN FESTIVAL
BLACK ROCK DESERT, NEVADA
TWO DAYS LATER
Scot Harvath wasn’t supposed to be here. The CIA was forbidden to conduct operations inside the United States—especially the kind he was about to undertake. Desperate times, though, called for desperate measures.
The seven-day Burning Man event was an extreme, weeklong summer solstice festival held on a flat, prehistoric lakebed three hours outside Reno, Nevada. Outrageous costumes were encouraged—as was “tasteful” nudity. Costumes ran the gamut from Mad Max to Carnival in Rio.
As fit as he was, he could have gotten away without wearing much of anything. That wasn’t his style, though. It also wouldn’t have made sense for his assignment.
Instead, the five-foot-ten-inch Harvath, with his sandy brown hair and his glacierlike blue eyes, wore a Continental Army coat and a full face of Cherokee war paint, obscuring his handsome features.
As the wind kicked up again, he pulled a pair of steampunk goggles over his eyes and wrapped a keffiyeh around his face. Clouds of the fine alkaline dust that covered the playa were swirling everywhere. Visibility was dropping.
“Fifty meters,” a disembodied voice said over the device pushed deep into his left ear. He kept walking, scanning from left to right.
Burning Man took place in a temporary “metropolis” built in the Black Rock Desert, which was called Black Rock City. With more than seventy thousand attendees, BRC was twice as dense as the City of London.
Seen from above, the festival was laid out in the shape of a giant letter C, or two-thirds of a circle. It looked like a blueprint for the Death Star with a good chunk blown away.
It was a mile and a half across, and a quarter mile out from the center of the C was the “Man”—a giant effigy that would be set on fire Saturday night.
There were no accommodations in Black Rock City, only what you hauled in (and hauled back out) yourself. “Burners,” as attendees were known, spent months in advance planning elaborately themed camps and villages. Only the ultrarich showed up on Day One, usually via helicopter, to luxury, turnkey camps that had already been constructed for them.
Almost as controversial as the camps of the ultrarich was something called Kidsville. It was one of the largest camps at Burning Man and was for families with children—an interesting choice at such an adult festival. Nevertheless, this year, there were about a thousand kids in attendance.
An army of volunteers, augmented by private security, had screened each vehicle as it entered the festival. Occasionally, the volunteers were assisted by undercover law enforcement.
The massive flow of traffic, in addition to the laid-back atmosphere of the event, made it impossible to do anything thorough. It was more security “theater” than anything else.
Local and state law enforcement patrolled the festival, as did Park Rangers from the Bureau of Land Management. But as long as you weren’t openly doing drugs or providing alcohol to minors, it wasn’t difficult to stay off their radar. They had their hands more than full. It was no wonder Burning Man had caught the attention of terrorists.
The voice spoke again in Harvath’s ear. “You should be able to see it now.”
He stopped walking, raised a bottle of water to his mouth, and used the opportunity to look around.
Banners and tent flaps blew in the wind. There was a makeshift bar called 7 Deadly Gins, something called Camp Woo Woo, another place called No Bikini Atoll, and an enclave named Toxic Disco Clam. Just beyond was the blue RV.
“I see it now,” said Harvath, tossing the water bottle.
“Hey!” a woman behind him complained, but he ignored her and kept moving. He had come too far to let Hamza Rahim escape.
Through the dust, the evening air was redolent with the smoke from bonfires and burn barrels. Music thumped from every direction. Hidden out of sight, diesel generators rumbled their low growls, powering turntables, sound systems, and massive light shows. Dancers on the playa spun flaming orbs on long chains. Rolling art exhibits, brightly lit from end to end, spat fire into the night sky.
He did a slow loop around the camp that contained the blue RV. Everyone seemed to be congregated in a large tent, content to party and wait out the dust storm happening outside.
After a group of bicycles covered in synchronized LED lights passed, Harvath approached the RV.
It was dark inside. He tried to peer through several windows, but the blinds were drawn. A sunshade covered the windshield.
Pressing his ear against the door, he listened. Nothing. If there was anyone inside, they were being very quiet.
He tried to open the door, but it was locked.
Removing a set of picks, he looked over his shoulder to make sure no one was watching. No one was. Within seconds he had the door unlocked, had affixed the suppressor to his Sig Sauer pistol, and had slipped inside.
Even through his keffiyeh, the RV smelled terrible—like stale cigarettes and a toilet that didn’t flush well. After he peeled off his goggles, it took a second for his eyes to adjust.
Plates of half-eaten food sat on the table. Dishes were stacked in the sink. A white plastic trash bag, overflowing with garbage, was tied to one of the drawer handles. The upholstery was torn, the carpeting was stained, and there was playa dust covering everything. Hamza Rahim lived like an animal.
Noticing something on the floor, Harvath bent over and picked it up. Pieces of electrical wire. His heart rate went up.
As far as anyone at the CIA knew, Rahim had been sent to Burning Man for preattack surveillance. His job was to gather intelligence and feed it back up the chain. Harvath’s assignment was to snatch Rahim and break his network by any means necessary. The wires, though, suggested the CIA’s intelligence might have been dangerously off target. Raising his pistol, Harvath crept toward the rear of the vehicle.
The first thing he checked was a small closet. It was filled with junk. Across from it was a set of bunk beds—both of which had been slept in. Bad sign. Rahim was supposed to be alone.
Beyond the bunk beds was the master area. That bed had also been slept in.
There was only one place left to search: the bathroom.
The door to it was shut. Taking up a position to the side, Harvath slowly tried the knob. Locked.
He listened for any sound, but all he could hear was the thump of the dance music pulsing outside.
Stepping in front of the door, he raised his boot and kicked straight through the knob, shattering the lockset and leaving a hole where it used to be.
As the hinges were on the outside, the door was meant to swing away from the bathroom into the RV.
Harvath took one hand off his pistol and reached for the door. That was when it exploded.
Product details
- ASIN : 147678938X
- Publisher : Atria/Emily Bestler Books
- Publication date : June 27, 2017
- Edition : First Edition
- Language : English
- Print length : 368 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9781476789385
- ISBN-13 : 978-1476789385
- Item Weight : 1.2 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.13 x 1.2 x 9.25 inches
- Book 16 of 24 : Scot Harvath
- Best Sellers Rank: #440,473 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #294 in Terrorism Thrillers (Books)
- #323 in Political Thrillers (Books)
- #2,596 in Suspense Thrillers
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Welcome to my Amazon author page. My next thriller, EDGE OF HONOR (July 1) is available for pre-order.
I tell people that my books are like the James Bond movies, you don't need to have seen any of the prior films to hop right in and enjoy the latest.
If you're interested in a chronological list of my novels, it can be found under the "Books" section of my website. While there, I hope you will enjoy the array of terrific bonus material I have created for you. From spotlights on exciting international locations to features on the guns, gadgets, and gear my characters use, there is something for everyone.
Happy reading!
Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this thriller book engaging and well-written, with fast-paced action that keeps them hooked until the end. The book is praised for its incredible detail, with one customer noting how the author weaves fact and fiction seamlessly. Customers appreciate the character development, particularly how the main character ages throughout the series, and consider it a great addition to the Scot Harvath series.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book engaging and worth their time, with one customer noting it's the best Mr. Thor has written yet.
"...Along with him, is Lydia Ryan & Bob McGee. Both are very competent and provide the right amount of support our counterterrorism expert needs to..." Read more
"...have not read any of the previous Scot Harvath novels, this book is a stand alone, as is the other novels...." Read more
"...Jul 08, 2018 i Brad Thor is a hard working author who cares about his craft, his characters and his readers...." Read more
"...Overall a very enjoyable novel...." Read more
Customers find the book exciting from start to finish with lots of action, and one customer describes it as a non-stop suspenseful read with riveting subplots.
"...Good action and more intrigue from Scot Harvath." Read more
"...Bad things happened; unfortunately that’s realistic. But the story keeps you close and pulls you in as a good suspense novel should." Read more
"...It’s THAT good and Brad Thor once again delivers with non-stop, heart pounding action from beginning to end." Read more
"...of the world he writes about, make this another non-stop suspenseful intriguing read.cannot wait for Book 17." Read more
Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read in spurts, with one customer noting how the author keeps readers engaged throughout.
"...As with other Brad Thor novels, the attention to detail is terrific...." Read more
"...Well written and detailed in the descriptions of the various "tools of the trade" - that trade being the world of Spec Ops, and decent descriptions..." Read more
"...Plus Brad Thor is one of the best page turning, rollercoaster read writers you will ever come accross...." Read more
"I've read and enjoyed all of Brad Thor's books. This one was every bit as readable...." Read more
Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as fast-paced and timely, with one customer noting how quickly the pages turn.
"...The plot line is established in a logical format, and moves along at a pleasant pace, allowing for greater detail without becoming overwhelming...." Read more
"As always I enjoyed a Brad Thor thriller. It is a quick and fun read that doesn't take to much mental energy to get through...." Read more
"I liked the book, fast paced, good book as per other reviewers, but the ending was a let down...." Read more
"...As if the book was under deadline or something, and was rushed to finish...." Read more
Customers appreciate the depth of the book, noting its incredible detail and thorough research, with one customer highlighting how well the author weaves fact and fiction together.
"...The action, details, and his knowledge of the world he writes about, make this another non-stop suspenseful intriguing read.cannot wait for Book 17." Read more
"...Characterization is as good as it needs to be and most characters have interesting quirks that differentiate one highly-trained combat specialist..." Read more
"...Well written and detailed in the descriptions of the various "tools of the trade" - that trade being the world of Spec Ops, and decent descriptions..." Read more
"I really enjoyed reading this book There were a lot of interesting information I learned about...." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the hero is real-life believable and growing and aging throughout the story.
"...Characterization is as good as it needs to be and most characters have interesting quirks that differentiate one highly-trained combat specialist..." Read more
"Harvath was interesting as the main character of course. The way he thinks and feels is interesting. However, I thought Nicholas is interesting...." Read more
"...The characters have mature over the time. The plots gets twists in the right place just to keep you at the edge of your seat." Read more
"...is a master storyteller able to have us believe his characters various choices are believable because he creates an environmental in which it all..." Read more
Customers find the book engaging, describing it as a thrilling ride that draws them in and keeps them hooked until the end.
"...But the story keeps you close and pulls you in as a good suspense novel should." Read more
"...The way he thinks and feels is interesting. However, I thought Nicholas is interesting. His mind and his dogs! He integrates fact with fiction...." Read more
"Holds one's interest throughout the book" Read more
"For me Thor always engages the reader on many levels and plants the seeds for new future relationships that enrich his new thrillers...." Read more
Customers love this book series and consider it a classic Brad Thor novel, with one customer noting it's a solid entry in the Harvath series.
"...As I get further into the book I stop checking. Next I’m finished. Great series" Read more
"...I think it is a great series, but this book just didn't deliver in the end...." Read more
"Typical Scott Harvath, I loved every minute of it. A must in the series. Great job Brad Thor, thank you." Read more
"This was the best Brad Thor book yet- right up until the end...." Read more
Reviews with images

Scot Harvast is back
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2025Truly enjoyed all the Italian language snippets (but maybe that’s because I’m married to a Calabrese). Good action and more intrigue from Scot Harvath.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2024The good guys eventually won. Bad things happened; unfortunately that’s realistic. But the story keeps you close and pulls you in as a good suspense novel should.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2025Great delivery & stands up to value
Super
- Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2017Use of Force brings back Brad Thor’s counterterrorism expert Scot Harvath, with non-stop action from page one to the very end. It’s highly advised that you set aside a good weekend to punch through this thriller because it’s very difficult to put down once you’re in for the ride. From the very beginning, Scot is surrounded by his team of warriors, ranging from Mike Haney & Matt Morrison, two bad ass former Force Recon Marines. Tim Barton, a Navy Seal. Tyler Staelin, A Delta Force Operative. And, Jack Gage, a Green Beret.
As a former Marine, myself, I can appreciate their dialogue between each other, both in battle and off. When you become so close to a small group of people and you literally go through hell and back with them. Certain things, such as joking and throwing “the bird” to each other becomes a part of your regular vocabulary. Brad Thor did not disappoint in that aspect at all. It’s part of serving that builds brotherhood and camaraderie. Very few authors, such as Joshua Hood, who I am using as an example since he’s been there and done that, capture this with such a perfect balance of real and “no way” that’s out of line. It’s clear Brad Thor does his research and puts in work to be as accurate as possible in every detail possible.
Along with those characters, we have some new ones. A very capable and attractive CIA Specialized Skills Officer Deborah Lovett. Paolo Argento, the leader of an elite special unit in Italy tasked with taking down organized crime and terrorists’ networks. You quickly realize, Argento is as motivated as Harvath in taking down terrorists and making his country safe.
Some returning characters include, “the old Man” or Reed Carlton. Which I have very mixed feelings about in regard to his future. I will keep it spoiler free, but once you’ve read it, I look forward to your thoughts. Along with him, is Lydia Ryan & Bob McGee. Both are very competent and provide the right amount of support our counterterrorism expert needs to complete his mission. Finally, my favorite, Nicholas, aka “The Troll.” He is as formidable and bad ass as ever in his craft. Always surrounded by his two loyal companions and no task is too difficult when it comes to cyber espionage.
In conclusion, Use of Force is a MUST READ. If it’s not on your summer must read list, put it on and get it to the top asap. You will not be disappointed. I give this book a very solid five stars, if I could give more I would. It’s THAT good and Brad Thor once again delivers with non-stop, heart pounding action from beginning to end.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2024When I start one of his books, I have a tendency to look a how much is left in the book. As I get further into the book I stop checking. Next I’m finished. Great series
- Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2017Use of Force is Bard Thor's latest Scot Harvath thriller. This time out, Scot is overseeing a CIA black ops program hunting down the source of some terrorist chatter that appears quite ominous. Although partly thwarting an attack in the US, attacks in Europe occur, seeming to be leading to a larger operation. Harvath takes a group into Libya and must contend not only with well armed terrorist, but also jurisdictional issues that impede his progress as well as his survival. Once in Europe, the pieces slowly come together. At the same time, the Carlton Group is dealing with an individual with a vendetta. Nicholas pulls double duty in tracking down Carlton's and Harvath's nemeses. Thor is also telegraphing the layout for the post Carlton world.
Tradecraft leans heavily onto the action side with Harvath nearly ridding Libya of all available terrorists. The inclusion of the Italian mafia was notable for potential long term enemies for Harvath to contend with in future installments. The ease of hacking into the CIA seems a bit overdone, but a potential future new addition to the team in the form of a young CIA agent seems promising. For long time Harvath fans, this is another delicious offering.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2024I have read every Brad Thor novel in this series up to this one. The action, details, and his knowledge of the world he writes about, make this another non-stop suspenseful intriguing read.cannot wait for Book 17.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2017I've read all the Scot Harvath books so far. After reading the 10th book in the series, I started at book 1 and have read each of them. I think it is a great series, but this book just didn't deliver in the end. It's too bad, because I loved the book up until the very end, but the climax was so abrupt, I kept waiting for something else to happen. There's realism in that, which I get, but when you build up to what should be a big moment and there isn't, it's disappointing. This isn't to tell anyone not to buy the book. I've recommended this series to all my friends and family, but if you aren't already familiar with the series, start at the beginning. You'll get hooked. If this is the first of the series you read, I don't think you will.
Top reviews from other countries
- Abhishek KumarReviewed in India on February 14, 2020
4.0 out of 5 stars Pageturner
A good plot and characters make this book by the author a very fast thriller which made me turning the page and difficult to stop. Recommended to the thriller lovers and the fans of the author.
- Lendvay JuditReviewed in Germany on February 25, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars World-class thriller
Love these series!
- ELReviewed in Australia on May 20, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Author
Husbands favourite writer, reading the whole book series
-
JuanReviewed in Mexico on July 25, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars a tiempo
en tiempo y forma
- Maggie KReviewed in Canada on September 13, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars The last one...the wait for the next will be painful
Brad Thor is an amazing writer. His books capture you from page 1 and you read as fast as you can. He combines reality with fiction so well that it is so very believable. I've now read every one of his books and Use of Force was his most recent. Now what am I going to read on the train every day? Thank you Brad for following your dream and making my train trips so pleasurable.