Backlash

After a major traumatic event, Scot finds himself in the Arctic Circle with Russian mercenaries after him. Initially, they want him alive for all of the information he can provide, but when U.S. pressure, led by a rescue specialist and the Troll (Nicholas) is ramped up, the mercenaries' mission parameters are dead or alive. Scot's training as a Navy SEAL kicks in, especially his SERE skills (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape.) Not only does he need to stay one step ahead of two-legged soldiers, but there are four legged predators after him as well. After yet another near brush with death, he stumbles first into a cabin belonging to a Sami woodman/trapper, who is beyond help, and eventually into his daughter's medical clinic in a show more Sami village. Great action, and Scot is driven by rage to take vengeance on the perps responsible for the trauma. Frankly, the vengeance was too rushed, and would have made a great sequel. 4.5 stars. show less

Good story but nothing special. I've only read a few other Brad Thor novels and have given them all 3.5 stars.

Having only read the series sporadically, I wasn't as emotionally affected by what transpires at the beginning (and I'll be rather vague): Several folks who are close to Scot Harvath are killed and Scot himself is captured. Turns out he's taken to Russia to be interrogated. But while being transported, the plane he's in crashes and he makes his escape. A large bulk of the early book is Harvath surviving the freezing environment.

One of the characters, Nicholas, is a dwarf. Apparently Thor can't think of many ways to remind us he's a dwarf other than to refer to him repeatedly as "little man." This got old quick.

The book's not show more bad; there are decent survival and hunting-down-(and evading)-the-bad-guy scenes. And the ending is as you'd expect. Again, good not great. show less

I think this was my first Brad Thor read. I found it to be an action-packed read that was mostly enjoyable but I found the last quarter (or so) to be a bit over the top with bravado and lacking for me. 3.5 stars.

A well done James Bondish type novel that brings back memories of Cold War spy novels. Action packed and at times over the top. Like with most thrillers some willing disbelief is required. I think I will pick up more in the series.

Started reading this last night and then promptly stayed up way too late trying to finish it. Exciting, engaging and probably the best book in the series to date!

5 stars
Without question, Backlash is my favorite Scot Harvath book. From start to finish this has been an extreme survival and emotional journey. A must read!

Brad Thor's 18th Harvath book Backlash (2019) was my first taste of this morally questionable hero. And sad to say, I wasn't a fan.

You can find my full review at: https://thelittlemanreviews.com/2026/06/13/backlash/