Tenth Man Down

Ex-commando, Chris Ryan, did three extensive tours with the SAS as an "assaulter", "sniper" and "Sniper Team Leader" before becoming a bestselling thriller writer. His hands-on field experience makes a definitive mark in his writing and is personified in the character of Geordie Sharp, an everyman's Rambo.

In the fifth episode, Tenth Man Down, Sharp finds himself on his toughest assignment yet: to reclaim a lucrative African diamond mine held by Kamangan rebels and escape the evil spell of a Sin'ganga or witch doctor. To make matters worse, as Sharp and his men move in, they discover the rebels are being supported by ex-US Navy SEAL mercenaries. As they try and uncover the hidden agenda, Sharp is taken prisoner with comrade-in-arms, Whinger. In line with the Sin'ganga's predictions, Whinger is brutally slaughtered, leaving Sharp to break the conspiracy and reunite with his team alone.

Ryan's mean, lean, fast-moving prose is filled with colourful military descriptors and salute- inducing narrative: "I wanted to introduce him to Pen-y-Fen, the mountain whose silhouette is supposed to be graven on every Special Forces man's heart." And for those not familiar with military jargon and the Kamangan dialect, there's also a glossary to guide you through thorny verbiage. Akin to reading a solider's diary, the action in The Tenth Man Down is gritty, straightforward and believable. --Susan Queue

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I wouldn't - Rated
This was the first Chris Ryan book I brought, the line at the top of the book 'Who wins the SAS or the Navy SEALs', caught my eye. In fact I am still waiting to find out, the book only has a very small mention of SEALs (or SEAL) and he is working with the SAS.

I found the book to be a very average read. Mr Ryan is a good writer and the descriptions were very good, however the story line very average.

There are many better SAS story books on the market.

A slick and polished adventure story - Rated
Geordie is sent to Kamanga in Africa by the SAS to bolster the local government army by training their select Alpha Commando. But soon it becomes clear that Alpha is preparing for a particular operation: an attack on Gutu, a diamond mine in the south of the country captured by rebel forces the previous year. It is in planning this that they needed the SAS's help although the team's orders were to act as advisers only and not to get involved in any fighting.
Things take on a dramatic turn when the team accidentally run into a group of children killing a ten year old boy. So when the local sin'ganga - the witch doctor - predicts that ten men will die to repay the boy's every year of life, the SAS team start to feel distinctly uneasy...
The book is nicely read by David Tarkenter for ISIS Publishing.

Very original - Rated
I must admit that I liked this book; but then I find all of Mr Ryan's book a joy to read. It was certainly different and had it all. Terrific atmosphere and plenty of action. It really kept moving. One of his best.
Nice one!

A Gripping Insight Into the Unknown World of the SAS - Rated
Although fictional, this book contains everything you need to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. The characters, plots and unexpected twists allow the reader an exciting opportunity to glance into the world of the SAS - something we can only imagine otherwise. For the time your reading this book, you too are a member - FANTASTIC!

Mister ryans best book yet - Rated
This is the one,ive read all his books but tenth man down is the biz.Ryan leaves nothing out in this book,its a full-on adreniline fueled romp with fantastic attention to detail,mixed with that "cant put this book down"feeling.Lock and load boys and welcome to the jungle!!!!!!