I just finished reading Wolf Trap, and while I appreciate the author's ambition, I have to admit that I found it a bit of a challenge to keep track of the numerous characters, storylines, and conspiracies. With so many code names, countries, and positions to keep straight, it was easy to get lost in the chaos. I'm not sure I ever fully got my bearings, and I think I'd have to reread the book to confirm some of the plot points.

While this was definitely outside my comfort zone, I can appreciate the genre of a political thriller and the themes that Connor Sullivan explores. The bones of the story are fine, and most of the character development is good. However, I did find some aspects of the story to be needlessly long and overly convoluted. At times, it felt like the author was trying to show off their knowledge of military equipment and general knowledge, rather than using it to advance the plot.

One thing that did bother me was the lack of authenticity in these areas. As a reader, I want to be able to trust that the author has done their research and is presenting accurate information. Unfortunately, this wasn't always the case in Wolf Trap.

Despite my reservations, I did find some moments of tension and suspense that kept me engaged. And I have to say that I was convinced that Tuck and the Senator were the inside enemies from almost the moment they were introduced - spoiler alert! Overall, while Wolf Trap wasn't my favorite read, I can see why fans of the genre might enjoy it. Just be prepared for a massive and complex story!

Operating under the cloak of secrecy within the CIA's Operations Directorate, the Special Activities Center commands a force of over three hundred elite agents, honed in the shadows of covert warfare. Drawn from the elite ranks of America's special forces, these operatives undergo rigorous training to excel in assassination, sabotage, infiltration, and guerrilla tactics.

Officially unrecognized by the US government, the Ground Branch remains a clandestine entity. Yet, when conventional measures falter, the President turns to this covert force to address the nation's most perilous crises.

Brian Rhome, a former Ground Branch operative, believed his tenure in this clandestine world had ended. However, thrust back into action, he embarks on a frantic global pursuit, confronting his past traumas while unraveling a deadly conspiracy that threatens the very core of American democracy.

After thoroughly enjoying Connor Sullivan's previous novel, I eagerly returned for another, hoping for a similarly thrilling experience. Sullivan delves into the world of terrorism in this well-paced narrative, exploring international terrorist activities, state-sanctioned murder, and internal strife. When the new US president aims to advance a Green Agenda, skepticism arises both within her Administration and on the world stage. Despite opposition, a major deal is set in motion with an unlikely ally. However, there are forces determined to thwart the Accord and eliminate the president. Sullivan masterfully weaves these elements together in a captivating and explosive tale.

As the US Administration pushes its Green Agenda, skepticism abounds globally and internally. Following a series of nuclear power plant explosions worldwide, President Angela Buchanan becomes even more determined to pursue environmentally friendly initiatives. Surprisingly, Saudi Arabia joins the cause, prompting admiration and astonishment worldwide. Amid preparations for a summit to sign the Accord, a sinister plot emerges to derail the event and eliminate the president. Brian Rhome, a former CIA operative, is enlisted to thwart the assassination plan and neutralize its perpetrators, uncovering treachery within the White House and beyond. With stakes escalating, Rhome must act swiftly to prevent chaos from engulfing the world.

Sullivan's narrative expertly navigates the complexities of terrorism and geopolitics, drawing readers into a riveting tale from the outset. With compelling characters and intricate plotlines, the story unfolds gradually, keeping readers engaged as events unfold in real-time. The novel's blend of international intrigue and espionage creates a gripping reading experience, leaving readers eager for more. Sullivan's adept handling of political upheaval underscores the power of storytelling, making this a must-read for fans of the genre.

Conner Sullivan hit it out of the park with his second page-turning novel "Wolf Trap." If you thought the secrets of the CIA (fictional and otherwise) had all been revealed by now, you're wrong.

"Wolf Trap" is a worthy follow-up to Sullivan's debut thriller "Sleeping Bear." In the new work, Brian Rhome is a former CIA Ground Branch operator, a former US Navy SEAL with PTSD after a ruined mission where his entire team was killed—but he os the only person who can aid the government's goals. The sweetener is Rhome can use the new mission to try and kill Qasim a-Raymi, the terrorist responsible for the massacre of Rhone's former team. Al-Raymi had been thought to have been killed, but the news of him still living fills Rhone with a terrible resolve.
America's first female president, Angela Buchanan, makes it *her* goal to achieve a greener future for the US and the world no matter the cost. But then there is a mysterious string of accidents and explosions at nuclear power plants around the world, and Buchanan leverages these events to further her green conspiracy.

This is a global narrative stretching from Montana to the Middle East, filled with lots of colorful and usually dangerous characters. Don't start this book unless you have a long weekend to dedicate to it. You won't put it down until you're finished.

Now, let's see book three ...

Wolf Trap is a gripping thriller that takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through a remote Alaskan wilderness. Written by renowned author Connor Sullivan, this novel has garnered attention for its intense plot and well-developed characters.
The story follows protagonist Nat Blackburn, a former Marine who finds himself entangled in a web of danger and deceit as he investigates a series of mysterious deaths in the Alaskan wilderness. As Nat delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers dark secrets and faces perilous adversaries, leading to a thrilling climax that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Sullivan's vivid descriptions and masterful storytelling immerse readers in the unforgiving Alaskan landscape, painting a vivid picture of the setting and adding depth to the narrative. The novel's fast-paced action and unexpected twists keep readers engaged from start to finish, making it a must-read for fans of suspenseful thrillers.

I was excited to hear that Connor Sullivan is a new voice in the political espionage genre. I love this genre, but had difficulty with this book.

The book is WAY TOO LONG and very convoluted with WAY TOO MANY characters, unpronounceable names and code names. It was confusing to keep track of all of them and their part and purpose in the story. The plot line itself is intriguing, but there were too many pieces, places, and people to enjoy it. At the 50% I had had enough. I was frustrated and my brain was fried. I skipped to the 75% mark and - VOILA!- I followed it and kept reading to the exciting climax and satisfying resolution. I didn’t miss anything other than 1/4 of the words!

I will look forward to reading more from this author! I believe Connor Sullivan might make his mark in the political espionage thriller genre! Hopefully, there will be tighter editing and fewer words! The character of Brian is endearing! I certainly want to read more about him! I think this one just overwhelmed me!

My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

This one was a bit outside of my comfort zone, and not one I would usually go for. However, it was a good read. This writing is excellent and the story flowed perfectly. I may listen to this on audio a second time.

A solid sophomore outing by Connor Sullivan. While I was disappointed to not get more of the protagonists from Sleeping Bear, the introduction of Brian Rhome and witnessing his journey was a real treat. Sullivan deftly mixes international politics with covert intrigue and action, smoothly explaining enough science when necessary so the reader understands the stakes involved. Recommended for thriller lovers everywhere!

Highly recommend. On par with Clancy stories and even surpasses it. Great dialogue and character presence. It was a page turner.

𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you @netgalley and #AtriaBooks for the ARC edition of this novel. Wolf Trap is another great addition to the genre of thrillers.  As Connor Sullivans second book it was amazing and kept me on the edge of my seat.  Between the action and suspense that he puts throughout his novel, it is the human factor of the main character, Brian Rhomes that really impressed me with this book.  In the beginning you get a glimpse into the struggle that Rhomes faces every day, even with menial tasks, the battle to keep living, despite the amount of guilt that he holds on to.  It is a great depiction of the struggle that many people face, and he makes sure to the show the reader that this man has emotions, and that he is not just a man with skills but does struggle with loss.  After being sought after he is given a purpose, eventually stumbling upon an attack involving a global initiative that can change the world.  Using his skills as a former CIA ground branch he attempts to go after those and hold them responsible.  Again, even though it is a great thriller, it is the inner struggle of the main character that made the story so riveting. 

#bookreview #bookstagram #WolfTrap #ConnorSullivan

Wolf Trap is a brilliant novel by Connor Sullivan, following Sleeping Bear, which took the thriller world by storm the year prior. Sullivan's ability to craft a story is second to none.

Political thrillers are not my thing, usually. But I actually quite enjoyed Wolf Trap. Reminds me a bit of Brad Thor or Lee Child. I can't say too much about the plot without spoiling some of the surprises that I didn't see coming. Suffice it to say, this is a great espionage story that left me satisfied. This is my first read of Connor Sullivan's work but I look forward to reading more by him.

I'm not usually a fan of political thrillers but this was a good one! I love that it features a woman president, Angela Buchanan who is all for saving the planet by reducing fossil fuels. But of course not everyone everywhere agrees with this and it becomes an issue, bringing in Brian Rhome as he is former CIA and has experience in the paramilitary. There are lots of characters so I had to read more slowly than usual, but it was nice to see so many women as well as men in the political arena. I also love the idea of conspiracy theories as in the last few years so many have emerged. So strap on your bureaucratic hats and prepare for a ride though a twisted story that will leave you breathless!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Where to start? Wolf Trap follows a whole slew of characters as they work to uncover (and commit) a plot to overthrow the government in the United States. Brian Rhome is drawn back in to work for the Ground Branch of the CIA in what he thinks is a one and done mission that turns into so much more.

This is my first book by Sullivan and I enjoyed every minute. This is not the typical thriller I gravitate towards, but I do like the Jack Ryan series and this reminded me of the show. Sullivan did a great job of developing his characters and building such an incredible plot, which kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next.

Wolf Trap is an excellent read. It has so many parts to the story that all weave together perfectly. You can't help but read one more page or chapter. It is so difficult to put down. An excellent follow-up to Sleeping Bear, there is no sophomore slump with this novel.
I can't wait for more from this author and with this character. Not even partway through the book, I was already recommending it to friends and family.
You won't be dissappointed reading this.

Firstly, thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced copy.

Professional commitments kept me from this book, and this review longer than I liked.
I've been trying to discover new authors in this genre and Connor Sullivan, you've got me hooked!
Wolf Trap is a tightly written novel that kept me guessing!

Even though the novel wrapped up nicely, it would be nice to see Brian on some other adventures!

I look forward to reading more from Connor in the future!

Wow.... I need time to process this beauty! It was everything a political thriller should be to the tenth degree. It will be a hard one to top in 2023. Brian Rhome has retreated from living.. his guilt is overwhelming. Until his country comes calling one more time and he needs to make a decision. Is his loyalty to himself? His family? His country? Can he be loyal to them all? Or will the decision break him? As Rhome is battling his decision, events unfold that could change the political center of our country - and the world. This book is AMAZING! It was so well done, and the details were on point while not being overwhelming. The characters were well developed, and they pulled one into the story. If you read Sleeping Bear, and were in awe, this sophomore book will not disappoint! Thank you to NetGalley for the early read!

After finishing Sleeping Bear, I was looking forward to Wolf Trap.

This book, like the previous, has a lot going on. Many characters in different situations, and if you dont pay attention, you can and will be lost very quickly.

With that being said, the suspense and questions keep coming page after page.

I am enjoying this series.

A fast-paced political thriller with multiple levels of conspiracies. The US President is advocating for a green energy initiative, but when the reactors go online, they have clearly been sabotaged. The Saudis provide intelligence information that Iran is the reason for the sabotage, but Princess Amara is sure there's a conspiracy underway called Black Sun that is likely headed by her cousin, Crown Prince Raza bin Zaman. Everyone's agenda comes under suspicion as the US President, CIA operatives and Saudi dissidents try and uncover the various plots and prevent a war. Overall, a compelling read that keeps you going trying to figure out who is responsible and what the ultimate goal is. Readers of Brad Thor, Lee Child, and Alex Berenson will like this one.

I am a fan of Brad Thor, Jack Carr and Don Bentley. After reading Wolf Trap I have added Connor Sullivan to my must read list. Brian Rhome was a member of an elite team of former military members in the CIA. On a mission to eliminate an Al Queda leader, his team was led into a trap and Brian was the only survivor. He has reached a new low and is considering ending his life rather than live with his guilt. Then he is given another opportunity to go after the terrorist.

President Angela Buchanan has been working with Saudi crown prince Raza bin Zaman to build seven reactors using new technology to improve the environment. The reactors are scheduled to go online simultaneously a week before a meeting of world leaders to sign a climate accord. The reactors were sabotaged and explosions caused thousands of deaths. Evidence points to Iran’s involvement, but this was a carefully planned conspiracy involving Saudi Arabia and officials in the US government. With key members of the CIA targeted for removal by Custer, the code name of the American coordinator, the president is unsure who to trust. Several of the targeted CIA officials have a plan of their own to expose the conspiracy and Brian becomes a key player in the plan.

Connor Sullivan has written a non-stop adrenaline rush. From the opening pages to the final explosive conclusion the action is relentless. Brian Rhome’s character goes from a guilt ridden survivor to finally accepting his team’s loss. While he expresses a desire to leave his CIA involvement behind, there is still a sense that we may be seeing him again. Through the use of code names for the conspirators throughout the story, Sullivan keeps you guessing which of the people surrounding President Buchanan are actually involved. When identities are finally revealed it is truly a jaw dropping moment. Sullivan is definitely an author to watch. I would like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for providing this book for my review.

Loved it! I couldn’t figure out what was going on until half way through the book. I don’t even know how to write a review without lots of spoilers.
I didn’t love the president. Not sure if that was intentional or not. I actually found myself rooting against her. While I liked the end and it was certainly satisfying, I’d be really interested to read an alternate ending.
This book has so many characters and moving parts, never a dull moment! Fascinating!