Reviews | E.S. Benton Author

“Adrenaline-soaked series opener”

This book is a promising start to what looks to be an exciting, action-packed series full of visionary scenarios and techno-thrills. A shadowy private militia force takes on a nameless foe capable of weaponising weather in this adrenaline-soaked series opener.’

Independent Book Review

A shadowy private militia force takes on a nameless foe capable of weaponizing weather in this adrenaline-soaked series opener.

Operation Storm’s Eye is the first book in what appears to be an exciting new series. When a private militia group suffers a devastating setback, they have to recover in time to thwart a rogue organisation committing crimes in the wake of supposed natural disasters.

The six members of Alpha Team know about working in the shadows. Staying hidden and unknown are all part of a day’s work. But when their sister squad, Echo Team, does not come back from a top-secret op, they must overcome their shock to go after an enemy as shadowy and unseen as themselves. And with the ability to create catastrophic storms in the blink of an eye.

Alpha Team is the first squad—led by Scott, aka Alpha One—in their nameless organisation that includes Bravo, Charlie, and Delta teams. Calling the shots above them is the sharply dressed and steely Frenchman, Bosse.

In an operation to retrieve data on the people behind Echo Team’s demise, Alpha Team picks up clues about a sinister sounding plan named “Operation Storm,” but before they can process this, they run into a wall of elite fighters known as the “Night Vipers.” Soon, another shadow force emerges to complicate matters further, known by the acronym MNGWA.

The race against time to find those responsible—and stop their use of a mysterious technology to create severe weather—takes Alpha and the other teams to the depths of the sea to Earth’s orbit, in pulse-pounding sequences Benton clearly delights in writing and hardcore action fans will welcome. Some scenarios are implausible, and suspension of disbelief is required, but readers will thrill to the author’s inventiveness with weapons and gadgetry, no less fun for not existing in real life.

Benton’s scenes are often cinematic in scope, as when Alpha One stares down from space at the coming storms on the blue planet:

He could see clouds begin to form down on Earth, covering what was below, like a huge, darkening blanket.

And he packs a veritable action picnic into 348 pages: futuristic technology, a 200-year-old man known as The Vesper, sinister medical experiments, killer robots, space stations, bullet-proof bubble spacesuits, to name a few. Action is the name of the game in Operation Storm’s Eye. Alpha Team really knows how to fight:

They never planned for if a mission went sideways, they didn’t need to. Our minds don’t need the memory during high adrenaline moments, they need instinct, and it was instinct that would get them through it…

Benton succeeds at translating those “high adrenaline moments” into well-crafted battle set pieces and excels with hand-to-combat depictions. The action is on point and skillfully told.

Sometimes though, I wanted more from the character development. Benton provides backstory hints and some detail, but they can be sparse and sometimes superficial in nature like descriptions of hair length, eye colours, and head shapes. I just wished I got to know these enigmatic and skilled warriors more intimately. Still, the sequel is incoming and we may get more soon.

This book is a promising start to what looks to be an exciting, action-packed series full of visionary scenarios and techno-thrills.

“Riveting non-stop action”

Riveting non-stop action novel that combines sharp dialogue and thrilling scenes of combat. Each chapter amps up the adrenaline to a rousing and satisfying conclusion. Author E.S.Benton has written a top-notch book.

The Book Review Directory

Echo Team is a band of soldiers carrying out a clandestine mission. The team operates with deadly precision and their latest mission proved successful. Success would be short-lived as a fiery plane crash eliminates the team. A fellow faction of soldiers dubbed the Alpha Team is operating in the wake of the deadly disaster.

There are questions about operational security and these concerns are only magnified upon Alpha Team’s discovery of “Operation Storm’s Eye.” The search is on for a weapon that can unleash catastrophe in a variety of forms leading to unimaginable death and destruction. Alpha Team’s boss has informed the team members of a possible traitor in the organisation and the need to undertake a further treacherous mission so they can begin to attain some answers.

E.S. Benton delivers an enthralling story involving the peril-infested world of the covert warriors who often operate in the shadows. The triumph of Echo Team’s assignment is quickly forgotten with their incendiary demise which illustrates how Benton isn’t averse to shocking the reader in the initial stages. The action is heavy when the team conducts its operations, but the intensity doesn’t stop when the bullets are no longer flying. The behind-the-scenes machinations of the villains in this potboiler prove equally compelling.

Scott is the leader of the Alpha Team and his moniker is Alpha One. The rest of the unit looks up to him and he looks out for them. The decimation of Echo Team has rattled nerves and Scott is not afraid to question his boss about the security of future actions. As Alpha Team hunts for the rogues behind the weather manipulator, Scott is at the forefront of the action. Scott’s loyalty to his men is as distinct as his heroics. Benton portrays Scott as a pensive man of action, willing to rely on intel as much as instincts.

The essence of the story lies in the wars that are often fought sub rosa around the world. The men and women who populate the various squads have sacrificed normalcy in their everyday lives for a variety of different reasons, some altruistic and some amoral. The importance of the next mission and its success consumes their waking thoughts. A spirit of camaraderie unites the men of the unit and can only be undone by betrayal. They must be able to count on the man standing beside them when under fire. The emotional impact hits hard with every fallen member.

The story commences on an explosive note with the immolation of the Echo Team. The aftermath of their demise would be greater if a little more backstory was provided as to their relationship and interactions with various members of Alpha Team.

Operation Storm’s Eye is a riveting non-stop action novel that combines sharp dialogue and thrilling scenes of combat. While there are many characters throughout the book, Scott (Alpha One) emerges as a focal point and is an admirable leader and soldier. Each chapter amps up the adrenaline to a rousing and satisfying conclusion. Author E.S. Benton has written a top-notch book.

“A gripping and intense novel”

A gripping and intense novel that immediately captivated me with the larger-than-life personalities of the cast. The diverse backgrounds of Alpha Team members created a rich and dynamic interplay of skills and attitudes. Operation Storm's Eye is a riveting start to what promises to be an exciting series.

Readers’ Favourite

Operation Storm's Eye is a work of fiction in the action, adventure, and suspense genres, and is the opening novel of The Silent Codename series. It is best suited to the mature adult reading audience owing to the presence of violence and some graphic scenes. Penned by author E.S. Benton, the plot follows Alpha Team, a group of covert agents from diverse backgrounds, including ex-spies, a computer expert, and an ex-assassin. Despite their hidden pasts, extensive training has made them a formidable unit. After suffering a loss, they track a group causing disasters disguised as natural occurrences. As Alpha Team delves deeper, they face challenges in morality, trust, and secrecy. Their enemy is always a step ahead, with extensive assets and technology. Despite the risks, Alpha Team's mission remains clear: save lives at any cost.

Author E.S. Benton utilizes a natural gift for suspense to craft a gripping and intense novel that immediately captivated me with the larger-than-life personalities of the cast. The diverse backgrounds of Alpha Team members created a rich and dynamic interplay of skills and attitudes, and the dialogue and behaviors between them were brilliantly characterized to give a sense of how the team operates. The high-stakes mission kept me on edge, with each chapter revealing new layers of complexity and danger at a brilliant pace. The struggle with morality, trust, and secrecy is subtly played at first, building into a major motivator for the action-packed narrative, offering something more emotive and cerebral than the typical spy thriller as a result. The blend of advanced technology and covert operations created a thrilling atmosphere that felt exciting but still plausible. The emphasis on the moral dilemmas of the team gives a more poignant bigger picture and a surprising, thought-provoking conclusion. Overall, Operation Storm's Eye is a riveting start to what promises to be an exciting series, and I would certainly recommend it to fans of accomplished action-adventure novels everywhere.

“Adrenaline-pumping thriller ”

Operation Storm's Eye is an adrenaline-pumping thriller with numerous jaw-dropping moments and action sequences. E.S. Benton is absolutely relentless with a gripping narrative that has its grip on you from the first page to the last. The camaraderie and back and forth between the members of the Alpha Team feels genuine.

Readers' Favourite

“Edge-of-your-seat suspense”

‘This page-turner is going to have you hooked and flipping pages from cover to cover. If you are looking for a gripping, action-packed espionage thriller, E.S. Benton’s Operation Storm’s Eye is a must-read for you. The edge-of-your-seat suspense, plot twists, sharp conversations, and high-octane action had me riveted.’

Readers' Favourite

“Thrilling twists and turns”

I was on the edge of my seat because of the thrilling twists and turns. The Alpha team was made up of a diverse group of people from various backgrounds who worked well together and grew closer as they overcame their challenges. I was captivated by this story and am looking forward to the next in the series.

Readers' Favourite

“Espionage genre masterpiece”

‘E.S. Benton's Operation Storm's Eye is an espionage genre masterpiece. He wastes no time in throwing readers into the heat of battle from the first page, setting a tone that lets you know the action is nonstop. Benton has a unique style, highlighting the technical details of each action while also making the story more straightforward for readers to follow.’

Readers’ Favourite

“A true action read”

‘As the first instalment in The Silent Codename series, Operation Storm’s Eye is a great example of drawing readers into an interesting world with compelling characters they’ll want to follow. Operation Storm’s Eye is a true action read, and fans of high-stakes adventure will enjoy the world E. S. Benton has created.’

Manybooks

“Nonstop action”

Readers who love nonstop action will relish much of the book, the highlight of which is an undersea conflict that comes courtesy of a breathless submarine assault. As Benton’s title indicates, readers can look forward to some extremely severe weather that provides a visceral backdrop to Alpha Team’s ongoing mission.

BestThrillers.com

Operation Storm’s Eye, the first book in E.S. Benton’s Silent Codename Series, details the activities of an enigmatic armed strike force that calls itself Alpha Team. But Alpha Team isn’t directly affiliated with any government.

We are not soldiers,

We have no book to go by. We save as many people as possible, by any means necessary.

The team consists of people from several walks of life: a chemist, a former spy, and a “computer expert” among them. In the book’s first chapter, the team splits into two during a night mission and is faced with the dilemma of using lethal force or not. Alpha Two successfully neutralises three guards using stealth and hand-to-hand combat before eventually finding their target, a 60-year-old accountant named Mr. Wilson, who is associated with a group called M.N.G.W.A. – which wants to “take over the world” – as well as another group called the Night Vipers, which dates back to 1918.

Benton has created a complex, multi-layered world in which – between a multitude of high-octane action scenes – the identities of people and groups are gradually peeled away. Codenames are used during operations, and consequently, patience is required before we start getting to know members of the group, including Daniel, Scott and Mike. This is all by design, of course. Rather than focus on any one character, Benton has created an ensemble action thriller, gradually illuminating the nature of the mission, the enemy and the team members themselves.

Readers who love non-stop action will relish much of the book, the highlight of which is an undersea conflict that comes courtesy of a breathless submarine assault. The sense of claustrophobia and urgency is worth the price of admission, as is the hilarity of the team members being instructed by VOICE (“Very Overly Intelligent Computer Expert), who proclaims,

I know I’ve taken over from a dead guy, but…

As Benton’s title indicates, readers can look forward to some extremely severe weather that provides a visceral backdrop to Alpha Team’s ongoing mission. Figuring out how the first natural disaster appears to come out of nowhere and who is behind it is part of the fun. Just as Benton drops some major reveals, the book drops the mic with a gruesome cliffhanger – setting the stage for the second series installment. We’re all in.

“Relentless rush of espionage and adrenaline ”

A relentless rush of espionage and adrenaline. The depth of detail during military operations is immersive... This hard-knuckled action thriller is a compelling introduction to a new series, and readers of adrenaline-fueled military fiction will appreciate the gritty backdrops and warrior-focused edge.

SPR

An elite group of soldiers is on the hunt for a secret cabal of inhumane terrorists in Operation Storm’s Eye by E.S. Benton, a relentless rush of espionage and adrenaline.

In this first book of the Silent Codename series, Alpha Squad is deep on the hunt for a mysterious global organisation responsible for savage attacks against aid efforts in the wake of natural disasters. Bizarrely, the villains appear almost immediately, as though they know exactly when and where each cyclone, tsunami, or flood is going to strike.

To counter this sinister manipulation of trauma and chaos, Alpha One and his trusted team embark on a spiralling series of deadly missions to unravel the secrets of M.N.G.W.A., the Night Vipers, and the still darker puppet master pulling their strings. They aren’t the only good guys in this lethal chase, but the loyalty of clandestine allies is hard to measure, or trust. From rogue satellites and sinister submarines to pitched battles and silent assassinations, the daring agents of Alpha Squad are the last line of defence against an existential weapon that could wreak havoc across the world.

Unlike other military fiction that overflows with typical protagonists, the members of the Alpha Squad aren’t traditional soldiers. They came to the elite group by different paths – a chemist, a computer whiz, and a pair of intelligence agents, among others, which makes for interesting dialogue and dynamics in those scenes that fall outside a mission or moment of combat.

The depth of detail during military operations is immersive, but it can sometimes drag the pace of an otherwise dramatic or action-packed scene, with a consistent habit of over-explaining, rather than organically sharing information within a scene. Sprawling paragraphs of narration about positioning, flanking, perimeters, and squad manoeuvring aren’t entirely necessary, nor are the superfluous blow-by-blows of every hand-to-hand combat sequence. While this heart-pounding story would look great on the big screen, it moves fairly slowly as a fictional narrative, with some relatively simple fight scenes taking up a half-dozen pages. There is room for more character development as well – the author’s use of alphanumeric names during mission settings makes it harder to appreciate the individuality of key characters in tense moments.

That said, the action of this story is centred on gunfire and battlefield tactics, with the prose rattling rapidly over codenames and call signs and graphic descriptions of merciless warfare, not the interpersonal relationships of squad members. This is not a story that is fully grounded in realism, as Alpha Squad is either the most skilled or downright luckiest squad on the battlefield, with a life-saving solution, makeshift weapon, or last-moment escape always seeming conveniently within grasp, so once one suspends disbelief and dives into the military heroics, there is a core story here that is original and entertaining.

Despite the issues with pacing and occasionally superficial character development, this hard-knuckled action thriller is a compelling introduction to a new series, and readers of adrenaline-fuelled military fiction will appreciate the gritty backdrops and warrior-focused edge in this first installment.

Operation Storm's Eye

E.S.Benton

Book 1 of the Silent Codename series

Available Now At:

Keep updated of news and latest title releases from fiction author, E.S.Benton

Operation Storm's Eye

E.S.Benton

Book 1 of the Silent Codename series

Available Now At:

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