Preview
  • Without Sanction

  • A Matt Drake Novel, Book 1
  • By: Don Bentley
  • Narrated by: Scott Brick
  • Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (114 ratings)

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Without Sanction

By: Don Bentley
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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Publisher's summary

After surviving a clandestine operation that went tragically wrong, Matt Drake escaped Syria with his life, but little else. Now, to save the life of another, he must return to Syria and confront his biggest failure in a stunning thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Tom Clancy Target Acquired and Hostile Intent.

Defense Intelligence Agency operative Matt Drake broke a promise. A promise that cost three people their lives and crippled his best friend. Three months later, he's paralyzed by survivor's guilt and haunted by the memories of the fallen. Matt may have left Syria, but Syria hasn't left him.

In the midst of his self-imposed exile, Matt is dragged back into the world of espionage and assets that he tried to forget. A Pakistani scientist working for an ISIS splinter cell has created a terrifying weapon of mass destruction. The scientist offers to defect with the weapon, but he trusts just one man to bring him out of Syria alive—Matt Drake.

It’s a suicide mission—one man against an army of terrorists. Still, with stakes this high, Matt has no choice but to try. He’s going in on high alert, but he’s blind to his greatest vulnerability. His most dangerous enemy is closer to home—not on the battlefield, but in the Oval Office.

©2020 Donald Burton Bentley II (P)2024 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

“Sensationally good—I want more Matt Drake.”—Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Don Bentley’s Without Sanction is seriously one of the most compelling debuts in recent memory. Brilliantly crafted and written, this book is a thoroughly riveting read and Don Bentley is an exciting new voice in the thriller world.”—Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Without Sanction knocks it out of the park! His hard won wisdom and experience from time downrange grip the reader from the first page to the last. Sign me up for an early read of book two!”—Jack Carr, New York Times bestselling author of Savage Son

What listeners say about Without Sanction

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Solid fighting and realistic injuries

No resolution on Peter’s betrayal; there may be in a sequel but it should be addressed

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Everyone is sad

All the main characters suffer from trauma-induced anxiety; they are overly dramatic and overreact to every situation. This guy is the Evel Knievel of Spy novels. Broken ankle, wrist, concussion, a gunshot wound, and still manages to steal a tractor. This book won’t blow you away, but it’s still good to pass the time. He never saves anyone; they tend to die just before he can save them. The book almost becomes a top-tier spy novel, just like the main character's attempts to be the hero.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

excellent story with twist and turns that weren't expected

first , Scoot Brick is awesome. second, this was an excellent story with a well thought out plot with some unexpected twists. an overall excellent book

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

First read but not the last

Lots of political and military insight. A personable hero.
Exceptional performance by Brick again. Plenty of detailed action.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed the read

The kind of book I like, kept me interested a the way through the book

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Like the multiple arcs

Likable characters and not over the top. Looking forward to listen to more from this series

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

It is Very Good.

Listened to the book to get a feel for Don Bentley as he is taking over the Mitch Rapp series. I did not have high expectations, it is his first novel after all. Blew my mind how good it was.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Not my favorite

Dislike political biases, otherwise fairly good. Found Scott brick to be a little too dramatic in his narration.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Tired, predictable plot line and character development.

If a community college had a class on how to write a modern thriller in the military and espionage genre, Don Bentley would get an “A”. But, community colleges give lots of “A’s” and they aren’t often on the cutting edge. This book is one of scores of similar books. Cookie cutter stuff.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Poor political judgement

If you live in opposite political world you’ll buy into the premise that socialism is good and Republicans start all the wars. I personally can’t pretend and enjoy his story.

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