Without Sanction

A Matt Drake Novel, Book 1

By: Don Bentley

Narrated by: Scott Brick

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

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

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

Enjoyed the read

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

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.

Like the multiple arcs

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

good story line

some of the characters were a bit confusing but overall this was an excellent read

The details of emotions by the characters

A little slow in the beginning but picked up and until the end. Excellent listening. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Outdtanding

A truly outstanding story read by a truly outstanding narrator. This was my first Don Bentley book and it did not disappoint in any way.

Believable story!

Bentley draws on a lot of his own experiences while serving in the armed forces. His story line is interesting and well-informed. Narrator Scott Brick is my all-time favorite.

Solid fighting and realistic injuries

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

Pretty good

Decent story. It was a little over the top like some of these books tend to be …. Depicting characters sustaining injuries that would be crippling and still fighting. And there are more elements like that, but still pretty good