Member Reviews

This novel is a unique historical thriller based on true events in which a small group of resistance fighters set out to stop Hitler from creating the atomic bomb. With the use of language that evoked vivid descriptions of icy, frigid surroundings, I often found myself holding my breath as the group fought against the elements. I thought Kurt was an intriguing, likable character but I did think his romanic struggles were a bit unnecessary. There was a lot of military details which at times caused my mind to wander but overall this was a solid historical thriller

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This is a World War II story like no other I have read. Andrew Gross takes readers away from the concentration camps and creates a story in the scenic, but rugged mountains of Norway.

Based on true events, Gross spins the tale of espionage and sabotage among Norway’s resistance fighters who want to take their country back from German occupation.

Kurt Nordstrum is the main character and he is unstoppable! Nordstrum was instrumental in several sabotage events. The most important act of sabotage had to do with the factory located in Vermork which was producing heavy water to use in making atomic weapons. It was a race against time to make sure the Germans did not produce an atomic weapon before they were defeated by the Allies.

Each act of sabotage involving Kurt Nordstrum was like a story in itself. Just when I thought the book had reached its peak, I discovered Gross had even more to add to the story. I enjoyed reading it and would be happy to recommend it to other readers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me to read an advance copy and offer my honest review.

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I have read many of Andrew Gross' books and I have enjoyed them all.
Thrilled to hear this one was was coming and so happy that I had the opportunity to review it.

Into sets scene of WWII, nuclear research, and the Special Operations Executive (SOE).
I immediately was interested and I am not a fan of War books) this was grabbed my attention.

You will feel a part of the war.
You will think of Albert Einstein first discovering that a nuclear chain reaction might be used to create bombs of unimaginable destruction. Thus starting the ultimate race...

I highly recommend this book.

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Another great lost tale of heroism, sacrifice and daring during World War II in German occupied Norway. Kurt Nordstrum is a fighter in the Norwegian resistance who gets recruited to join a mission to derail Germany's atomic program. Battling not only their enemies but also the fierce, unforgiving terrain of Norway during intense, brutal storms, the band of Northmen use every skill they have to complete their mission. "The Saboteur" is a thrilling, glued to your seat historical fiction story that will keep you up late to finish! I highly recommend it!

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This novel is a very good one about WWII. It features character Kurt Nordstrom, who goes behind the scenes and sabotages Nazi plans. He and his team do this at great risk to themselves against overwhelming odds.

The Saboteur has a great lead character in Nordstrom, and the storyline is riveting. It is suspenseful and thrilling.

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A great WW2 follow up to Andrew Gross's The One Man. I'm a sucker for intriguing WW2 thrillers and this one does not disappoint.

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This novel is based on true events. In 1942, both Germany and the United States are waging a scientific battle to create the atomic bomb. Crucial to this effort is the creation of enriched heavy water, and the Germans have commandeered a hydro electric plant in a remote part of Norway and are producing it. The plant is protected by the fjords as well as the weather. The British create an elite team to attack and destroy the plant, but the plan goes terribly wrong and all of the specialists for this mission are killed. The Allied leaders are almost fanatical in their desire to shut down the operation and finally agree to a small team of native Norwegians to execute a daring mission to blow up the facility. Led by Kurt Nordstrum (whose character is drawn from the real life figure of Kurt Haukelid, the real person who helped pull over the real mission), the team manages to penetrate the defenses of the plant and plant explosives that destroy the inventory of heavy water as well as the production facilities. As the team disperses after the raid, Nordstrum announces that he is staying behind to create a network of agents and communications to aid in the war effort in this remote region. The Germans are able to resume production of heavy water in just a few months, and once again, a small team of natives, are called upon to “save the day.” A daring mission to destroy the water as it is moved to Germany is planned and executed. This book had my pulse racing from the beginning. It is based on events that I was unaware of which made it even better. The hero, really heroes, are men of courage, perseverance, and dedication. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will enjoy this book.

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A close to reality novel of the special operations attacks on Norwegian heavy water production during World War II that prevented the Nazis from completing development of the German atom bomb.

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Andrew Gross writes one heck of a book. I first encountered his writing with James Patterson and have followed his solo career with glee.
The Saboteur is a sequel to The One Man, about one man and the holocaust. This books remains set in WWII, and the fight is again against nazis, who are building a bomb in Norway. A race against time, a battle against true villains, and a cast of characters so well written you can climb inside their skin. What more could you want?

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Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Andrew Gross for the opportunity to read his latest thriller - will not disappoint!

In my mind, no one can write a WWII thriller like Andrew Gross. Following up on The One Man, which was excellent, his latest book is based on a true story of a Norwegian resistance fighter during WWII. He is picked to lead a team to destroy the threat of the development of the atomic bomb by the Germans in an old factory in Norway. This is a non-stop, hold your breath, kind of book as Kurt disregards his own personal safety and those of all he cares about to fight for his country and the world at large.

Amazing!

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I love to read historical fiction that makes me feel I am actually learning what really happened in the past. This is how I felt while reading The Saboteur by Andrew Gross. Before reading I didn't read the back or any plugs telling me what the book was about, rather I went completely on the fact that it was written by Andrew Gross. Of course I knew from the cover it would be WWII historical fiction or even historical thriller. I was surprised when I started reading to find it was set in Norway. I had a hunch that The Saboteur was based on real people and events but was not sure and I like to wait until the end to look it up so as not to give away the rest of the story. This was a part of WWII that I had NEVER heard of; the very important part that the Norwegians played. These characters were based on some extremely brave and loyal men, some would say they even changed the outcome of the war. I have to admit, I am a huge fan of Andrew Gross as I flew through The One Man and literally could not put it down. With The Saboteur it was a different reading experience. For the first half of the book I had a hard time keeping the names and places straight, the Norwegian names threw me for a loop. But the second half of the book made up for that. While reading I felt I was watching the story unfold in a movie, that was how well Andrew Gross wrote and told the story. Upon finishing this book, Gross tells how he came to write this story and tells us a little about the real life people upon whom his characters are based. Despite the fact that it took me a little while to "get into" this book, I really liked it and learned about the Norwegians part in the war, something I had not known about. Andrew Gross has earned his place on my Favorite Authors List and I would recommend The Saboteur to historical fiction or historical thriller fans or anyone that enjoys reading about WWII. Well done. Mr. Gross.

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This is a great historical thriller that is based on actual events during WWII. The Nazis are coming very close to developing the atomic bomb. They are producing heavy water at a plant in Norway. The plant is well protected in a valley that is too narrow to be successfully bombed. The only way to stop them is to send a team in to destroy the plant and any heavy water that has been produced. A group of courageous Norwegian men end up tackling the mission, knowing it is likely a suicide mission.

This is a great read and it stays true to historical events. This is a story of courage and heroism. It will appeal to anyone who likes historical thrillers, or even thrillers in general. I couldn't put it down. The scenes are action packed. The descriptions of the scenery and the conditions the characters experience make you feel like you are there. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

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The Saboteur is a mesmerizing tale of heroic Norwegians working to sabotage Nazi efforts to make "heavy water" which was crucial to their plan to make an atomic bomb. Had they succeeded....well, they didn't. Andrew Gross shows excellent writing skills, building his characters, pacing the plot, and keeping the reader interested.
Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

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Excellent summer thriller! Cannot wait to handsell this.

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Deuterium. D2O. Heavy water. The key to making the atomic bomb. It’s WWII and the race to create a fission bomb is on. Who will win? The US? Germany? This is the background for Andrew Gross’s wonderful new novel, The Saboteur. Drawn from actual events, events that changed to course of the war, the story follows Kurt Nordstrum (based on the real-life hero Kurt Haukelid) and his team of saboteurs who are charged with destroying the NAZI’s heavy water plant on the coast of Norway. A building that is well guarded and settled in a deep cliff-side crevice, making simply bombing it to rubble impossible. Getting inside the compound and destroying the concentrators and the supplies of heavy water the Nazi have already produced. is no easy task. One attempt has already met with disaster so the mission falls to Kurt and his cadre of “northmen.” Fast-paced, populated with wonderful characters, and filled with historical facts, this story will keep you reading long after everyone else is asleep. Highly recommend.

DP Lyle, award-winning author of the Jake Longly, Samantha Cody, and Dub Walker thriller series

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