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COAST: An Act Of Burial

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Winner of the CBC Bookies Award for 'The Book You Couldn't Put Down'.

Download the prologue for free! http://tiny.cc/readtheprologue

In Paris, covert operative Ian McKinley carries out an unusual 'retirement' operation, aiming to stem the flow of high-tech rifles to terrorist groups. But upon returning to the Covert Operations And Surveillance Team base, he learns that a navy supply vessel has foundered in the Persian Gulf and is dispatched with his team-mates to secure four thermonuclear warheads from the wreck. Simultaneously, however, members of COAST are being murdered by unknown assailants. McKinley, Carter and Brook travel to the Middle East, Russia and Canada, desperate to outwit a mysterious adversary who always seems to be one step ahead. As the stakes rise, can they retrieve the hijacked nukes before a city gets vaporized?

With the sinister menace of classic spy novels and the riveting action of a modern war story, COAST: An Act Of Burial immerses the reader in a thrilling roller-coaster ride of intrigue, adventure and espionage as the team race to prevent a crisis of apocalyptic proportions.

Cover painting © Jonathon Earl Bowser, 2012, used by permission.

ebook

First published April 25, 2012

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About the author

Xander Richards

2 books12 followers
Canadian espionage writer Xander Richards was born during the early sixties in an unremarkable town in western Europe to parents whose stories of their wartime military experience enthralled him and stoked the fires of his imagination. Inspired by Fleming’s James Bond series, Cussler’s Dirk Pitt adventures, Clancy’s techno-thrillers, Alistair MacLean’s novels and many other suspense and espionage books, he started writing at an early age.

After a spell in the military Xander was first published—under a different name—in the late eighties. Around this time the idea for ‘COAST: An Act Of Burial’ was conceived whilst on vacation with friends from the army. It was initially started as a film script but due to the pressures of work and family was never completed in that format. Nonetheless, the story stayed with Richards over the next two decades during which time he authored many factual articles, reviews and instructional pieces which were published both in magazines and online, and relocated to Canada.

In 2008 Xander decided to complete ‘COAST: An Act Of Burial’ as an espionage novel, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s rags-to-riches success story with the Harry Potter series. Compiling an enormous amount of espionage, technical and geographical research, he wrote at every opportunity. A professional screenwriter edited the work leading to a number of beneficial changes which were incorporated into the story. Still driven to aim for excellence, Richards then had the work edited a second time by another skilled editor. Xander looked into options for publication and after a number of approaches to agencies and publishers decided to become a part of the ‘ebook revolution’ and publish through Bookbaby. The cover was created by well-known Canadian artist Jonathon Earl Bowser, whose picture ‘The Awakening’ was famously stolen by Saddam Hussein as the cover of his 2000 novel ‘Zabibah and the King’.

Despite sharing a cover artist with one of the most notorious dictators of modern times, Xander Richards describes himself as ‘an ordinary fella with regular interests and pastimes’. These include cars, photography, movies and garage sales. Xander lives in Saskatchewan, Canada with his wife Mindy. They have four adult children and four grandchildren.

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Brandon.
935 reviews246 followers
January 26, 2013
A navy supply ship is downed in the Persian Gulf and members of Britain's Covert Operations and Surveillance Team, or C.O.A.S.T for short, are sent to retrieve the four thermonuclear warheads it had been carrying. However, when they're ambushed, questions arise about a possible mole in the organization. When the investigation leads them to a prominent American businessman, they quickly realize they're up against an adversary the likes of which they've never faced.

To be completely honest, I didn't expect to enjoy this quite as much as I did. I do try and read as much as possible and always try and expand my horizons but when it comes to a military based thriller, I have next to no experience. I just assumed that this genre lead to complicated plots and slow, robotic dialogue. That being said, what Xander does here is pretty impressive. While he does feed you a lot of information to digest in terms of military vernacular, he refuses to leave you feeling overwhelmed. He blends in a sharp sense of humor with fast paced action, leaving the whole experience a memorable one. In fact, reading this novel is similar to sitting down to watching a summer blockbuster! Considering Richards originally conceived this as a screenplay - the film feel certainly isn't coincidental.

The fact that this is Richards' first outing as an author is quite surprising. The storytelling is reflective of a more experienced author and that certainly gives promise to a continued career. I'm sure it also helps that he had spent some time in the armed forces which no doubt helped in the development of the C.O.A.S.T organization as well as a lot of the weaponry and military jargon.

Overall, I think C.O.A.S.T: An Act of Burial is a solid effort and a great place for me to start with this genre of fiction. The ending, without spoiling anything, leaves it open for a potential sequel or series if Richards plans to do so. Judging by how much I enjoyed myself this time around, I wouldn't be against visiting the characters again down the road.

I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair review

Cross posted at http://www.everyreadthing.com
Profile Image for Eric Swett.
Author 5 books12 followers
September 12, 2012
I have a love-hate relationship with thrillers. I love when the action is intense, but I hate when the story telegraphs the suspense to the point that you see things coming. Finding a balance is not easy for all but the best authors. There is a certain finesse that usually takes time and practice to achieve, but when the author gets there, the books can be magnificent.

Xander Richards's debut novel, COAST: An Act of Burial, revolves around a trio of operatives from a top secret British special operations unit that is unknown by all but the highest ranking member of the government. When they are sent on an urgent mission to recover some lost nuclear warheads, things quickly spiral out of control and they are forced to track down the weapons and discover the traitor in their midst before an unknown enemy can do the unthinkable and turn the weapons loose upon the world.

The story is an action laden thriller filled with all of the intensity one might expect from a much more seasoned author. The action sequences are strong and written in a way that it is easy to picture the events unfolding in your mind's eye. The attention to detail that the author brings to the novel is incredible and ads a sense of realism to the book that is occasionally found lacking in others. The main characters in the book are well defined and it is easy to keep them separated. The dialogue feels natural and is well written, adding to the believability of the characters and the world of the COAST operatives.

If there is a fault in this book it is an over attention to the same details that make it feel so realistic. The action is broken up by discussions of weapon names and attributes as well as some internal dialogue that gives us insight into the actions and reactions of the characters. The problem is not so much the detail, as it is the placement of those details and the way it can ruin the flow. One other aspect that is bothersome is the time between action sequences. In the real world these spaces exist. Soldiers and spies need time to recover, investigate and plan, but the written inclusion of so much of this time, along with the copious amount of detail, slams the breaks on the reader rather than keeping that reader adrenaline pumping. If these sections were trimmed or cut by even a quarter, the pacing would have been more aggressive and made for an even more thrilling ride.

This novel is not a quick weekend read that you take to the beach, but more of an experience worth taking your time on so that you can take in all of the rich detail that the author supplies. With a little more work, Xander Richards could easily find himself in the company of other renowned authors such as Tom Clancy or Clive Cussler. I enjoyed this book and I look forward to a follow up that is hinted at in the final pages.
1,148 reviews37 followers
March 10, 2013
An action-packed adventure that cleverly combines classic, contemporary fiction with a spinechilling twist

COAST: is a group of soldiers from elite highly secret British military special service organization, who are sent to retrieve nuclear warheads from a drowned navy ship. The ship drowned in Persian Gulf - a highly unstable region, so the entire operation has to be as quiet and discreet as possible. However, the moment in which the team dives underneath the water, they find themselves under attack…Blending together the dynamic action of a modern War/ military novel and encasing it in deception, shrouding it in secrets and underhand dealings; this spy story is quite atypical. Surrounding a crisis of apocalyptic proportions, this exclusive team of individuals is dangerous and no-nonsense especially when faced with a deadly adversary. Fast-paced and fueled by electric tension and suspense, this story maintains its momentum throughout until the very end.

Not my usual genre or the kind of book that I would read, I was surprised at how authentic and so intricately detailed the narrative was. The author certainly has such an acute, sharp perception and insight which conveyed through the writing makes this something noteworthy and assured. Containing in-depth references to weaponry, combat as well as good characterization and detail this bold book I felt was reminiscent of ‘007 Bond’ or many current Iraq War documentaries in which the enemy is stalked stealthily. It did take me a long time to ‘get into’ the story, as I felt that Ian McKinley’s mission at the beginning of the book was rather drawn-out and so it took me a lot of persistence after many weeks to continue…I am glad that persistence paid off, for as soon as one discovers ‘COAST’ and the enemy comes into view it did become more intense and interesting.

This is a good action/thriller adventure story with a weighty military backdrop. The action scenes are descriptive and vivid, although the beginning of the novel (albeit beautifully detailed) is a little long and I found a bit dull. For those who are interested in nuclear battles, secret services and acts of bravery as one would encounter in a Bond film (I.e. submarine wreck diving, car and plane chases), then you will certainly be in for a treat! The author’s writing is accomplished and professional, with this well-written, realistic tale being first-class.

Despite appreciating the writing and the interesting storyline, I am still not a keen reader of this genre and so my rating reflects this. If you enjoy the genre and are looking for something reflective, accurately convincing and solid then you will find this most satisfying - 3.5 stars

*I was sent an e-copy of “COAST: an act of burial’ by Xander Richards, to read and review from the author. I would like to thank the author for this opportunity*


1 review
May 25, 2013
When one is a good friend of the author one is concerned to give a favourable but also a balanced review of the novel just read. However, I have no need of worry because the story is a gripping read from beginning to end. I was not disappointed! It's been lovely to discover another facet to my friend that I wasn't aware of.

The plot is rich and compelling; the characterisations deep, believable and investable; and the quality of prose paints vivid and colourful pictures in the imagination that ring with the bright tones of Van Gogh. The whole is an incredibly rich, nay moreish experience, somewhat akin to millionaire shortbread, clotted cream teas or sausage and egg McMuffins!

The story leaves the senses tingling and is incredibly difficult to put down. Reeling from one crisis to another this is guaranteed to increase the blood pressure and leave one breathless. If you're the sort of person who likes to laze on a sandy beach in the warmth of a Mediterranean sun, this will do nothing for your peace of mind. The detail is incredible and well researched - I never knew that there were so many types of firepower available! Description of geography and methods of transportation are so well elaborated that it is very easy to find oneself there. Having lived for a long time in the areas of mid-Wales and Nottinghamshire described, this was a real memory trip for me. All these familiar places and place names given a new twist. The results of a huge explosion setting every car alarm blaring in sleepy Aberystwyth really amused me, and I know that I'll never be able to visit the City of Nottingham again without considering the potential of a vast network of caverns beneath my feet, not to mention paying greater attention to military looking individuals wandering into various store fronts - where are they going, I wonder?

A brilliant book. I await the sequel with great anticipation as there are questions posed that still need answers - who exactly is this mysterious Heinmarsh and what is he really up to? If anyone was a worthy antagonist to Cdr James Bond 007 then this would be he. Blofeld is a pussycat in comparison. The novel works well on so many levels: the intrigue and action of Bond; the chaos and mayhem of Lethal Weapon; the rawness of The Professionals; the engaging humour of The Saint; and the desparation of the UNIT era of Dr Who. General Sutton is so reminiscent of Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge Stuart, it's ridiculous. And yet the originality of the piece really stands out - it is no copy of anything that has gone before. The author has crafted this well. Having read this, I'm sure that like me, that this will not be a story that you will forget in a hurry.

J. P. Goodwin
Profile Image for Diane Rapp.
Author 15 books110 followers
May 5, 2012
James Bond Move Over For the COAST Team

When I think of the character James Bond, Sean Connery immediately comes to mind. Then my brain flickers through other actors until it stops at Pierce Brosnan (sigh) and finally lands on the current actor, Daniel Craig. (I’m still getting used to him.) Why should readers settle for one secret agent when we can have three? That’s what I thought as I read this exciting action/adventure novel.

COAST (Covert Operation and Surveillance Team) is a secret British military organization filled with fifteen teams of gutsy secret agents. Each three man team of the TDR (Tactical Deployment and Response) 1 thru 15 is a highly trained group of specialists who perform covert operations. This story follows the exploits of the TDR.12 team consisting of Ian McKinley, Chris Carter, and Martin Brook—flawed men filled with courage, intelligence, and deadly skills.

Testosterone nearly drips off the page as these men perform breathtaking acts of bravery. True to the genre, readers are treated to submarine wreck diving, car, plane, and helicopter chases, plus organized military attacks. The TDR.12 team must track down stolen British nuclear warheads before a group bent on world domination destroys life as we know it. They face bombings, murders, kidnapping, and a traitor within the COAST organization. The intelligent, well-financed enemy keeps one step ahead whenever they discover a lead. Unpredictability is the team’s secret asset but usually lands them in trouble.

The author peppers the entertaining narrative with military language, British slang, and an “alphabet soup” of organizations. He explains a few immediately but also provides an interesting glossary at the end of the book. I don’t know much about weaponry, but the characters describe their favorite weapons with enough detail to make a military aficionado swoon. The author’s research on mining, high-tech gadgets, and military protocol brings reality to the storyline, and he explores the minds of his characters to make them believable. Readers who enjoy military suspense, gutsy heroes, and action-packed adventures should buy this book. There are heroes like these men protecting us every day, and this novel helps us appreciate their sacrifice.

Profile Image for Danny Tyran.
Author 21 books185 followers
January 24, 2013
TDR-12 is chief special ops agent Corporal Ian McKinley. This action-packed espionage thriller begins when TDR-12 assassinates in Paris his Uncle Brennan, weapons dealer who sold high-tech armament to terrorists, but soon makes its way to other parts of the world including Britain, Canada, and Russia.

The story follows a team of three covert operatives, members of the Tactical Deployment and Response Team (TDR), who are tasked with the recovery of stolen nuclear warheads. During their investigation McKinley and his teammates Carter and Brook meet old friends, make new ones, uncover traitors and cause plenty of trouble. There are several dramatic showdowns with the antagonist leading to a climactic confrontation on a remote island.

COAST: An Act Of Burial is a very interesting story which addresses the potential threats and dark machinations in our world. However there is also humor, usually from the three lead characters, and the balance struck by the author is a good one. The narrative changes tempo considerably with fast, explosive action sequences and slower paced character exposition. However, the major plot points hit you with a compulsive rhythm.

I don't know much about weaponry, but the characters describe their favorite weapons with enough detail to make a military aficionado swoon. I admit that I jumped some of those details. However, the author's research on high-tech gadgets, mining, and military protocol brings reality to the storyline. This story made me think of Tom Clancy's and Robert Ludlum's books at their best. Readers who enjoy gutsy heroes, military suspense, and action-packed adventures should buy this book.

The writing itself is at some times highly illustrative whilst at others very down-to-earth and dialogue driven. But the author explores the minds of his characters to make them believable and the story more realistic. The characters in this book aren’t just good or bad, white versus black. Like most people they have gray areas and are all the more readable for so doing. These idiosyncrasies, as they play out, keep the reader both guessing and interested.

Will there be a sequel?
Profile Image for Mark Carver.
Author 18 books71 followers
June 28, 2012
Alister MacLean, Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy, John LeCarre...if any of the aforementioned writers tickle your literary bone, you'll enjoy COAST: An Act of Burial. Heaping helpings of patriotism, brothers-in-arms banter, international baddies, whiz-bang gadgets, and, as Keanu Reeves once famously deadpanned: "Guns. Lots of guns."

At times, C:AAOB can be a bit much to digest, and the prose style hearkens back to Cold War-era espionage fiction, but considering the subject matter, it fits. The heroes are quite heroic but there is plenty of suspicion within the ranks to keep everyone on their toes. C:AAOB is a bit like an 80s action movie: in your face, explosive, a bit one-dimensional and simplistic at times, but guys need stories like this to give them the warm and fuzzies without them having to feel guilty about it. The vivid cover image pretty much says it all. Grab your copy and hang on.
Profile Image for Devon.
1 review3 followers
November 21, 2012
I heard about COAST from a couple friends who wouldn’t stop talking about it, so I thought I’d give it a shot. Glad I did, ‘cause it pretty much had me hooked.

All of Richards’ characters (not just McKinley, Carter, and Brook) are given enjoyable slices of dialogue, and the weaponry is described so realistically that you don’t need an X-Box or the silver screen to see it in front of you. I’m borderline ADD, but this book flew by. The explosions & suspense keep you flipping the pages/mashing your Kindle buttons wondering how the nuclear struggle ends.

One Amazon reviewer said “James Bond move over for the COAST team”, and I’ll happily second that. It sounds ridiculous that a new novelist can come within a mile of Fleming, but just as they said there’ll never be another Tolkien or Stoker or Creasey, sure enough there comes along a Jordan, or a Rice, or a Grisham. Add Richards to your list of great storytellers to keep an eye on.
Profile Image for Keith.
832 reviews10 followers
January 18, 2013
"COAST: An Act Of Burial," is an interesting and well paced international spy thriller with lots of action. The excellent action scenes are much better done than in some other similar novels I have read. Good characterization. Each person is individualized with their own personality.
I enjoyed the fact that the novel is also detailed in presentation of equipment like weapons, preparation for a mission, pre-investigation before they set out on a mission, etc.. It made the novel a better read for me.
Unlike some novels in this genre, a team of agents is involved (three per team) in each mission. However, there is a traitor somewhere in the organization. This makes the investigation more hazardous to all invloved.
The main plot line begins with the theft of two nuclear bombs in the Persian Gulf by an unknown sinister adversary. COAST - a secret British organiztion in Nottingham - races to find and recover the nuclear bombs before...???
Profile Image for Nina.
15 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2013
I won a free copy of the book thanks to Goodreads giveaway.

I liked the book as it was full of action, details, twists, and had a little bit of humor too. It's great to imagine 3 men like that, working so well together, and with completely different personalities that seem to complement and balance each other. However, I didn't like the layout of the book (especially the margins of the pages). Two books instead of one would had been nice too, probalby ending the first one right after the traitor is killed. A strong female character could had also been interesting. I hope book #2 can give me that! =)

My favourite part: the entire book was enjoyable, but the end really made me want to read the sequel, and I felt like I could almost hear its soundtrack (something like the beginning of the 'Seven Nation Army Remix' by The White Stripes / G.I. Joe 2 movie) with the screen showing "to be continued..."!!!
Profile Image for Kevin.
612 reviews10 followers
February 10, 2013
well I received a free digital copy from the author to read and rate. i wont bother focusing on the story as several have already descibed it quite well. All in all it was a good story plot and kept me going waiting for what the next challenge the team would face. This is not a weekend read like some books. It is packed full of details descibing everything..you are never at a loss to be able to visualize what the surroundings are.

I gave it four stars. I would have given five but i think the book would read easier by cutting out some of the deails. I read lots of spy/cia kind of books and this book did not page turn quickly like other highly rated books. Last i have to say it is really good for a first book. With some minor writing adjustments with the amount of deail, the next book has the potential to be even better as the ending left it wide open for the next adventure.
Profile Image for Nicky.
29 reviews12 followers
April 13, 2013
Firstly i must say two things,I recieved a copy of this book through goodreads to review and secondly,this isn't a genre of book that i have really shown an interest in before...

I found this book to be very well written and the detail in the characters and situations are wonderfully rich and indepth.

It has a gripping and fast paced plot which really speeds you along with the characters in the book.I was unsure if this would be a book i would be drawn into but i found it a very exciting read.

You can tell the author has worked hard to get every detail correct and this adds backbone and authenticity to the story as a whole.I could see this very easily being turned into an action packed blockbuster movie....here's hoping for another book soon!
1 review1 follower
April 27, 2012

Xander Richards captured beautifully in his novel COAST An Act of Burial the fight between survival and protection one’s tribe. The character’s experience and deal with all situations in a real manner, keeping the suspension of disbelief rarely tested. With vivid description and well paced action, An Act of Burial sustains the reader’s attention like Pavlov’s dogs to the ringing of a bell. Not only is the conflict strong, but there is a wonderful blend in of humour to lighten the mood of the story. Richards creates a remarkable balance between dark and light, and the threat nuclear catastrophe in this superb espionage tale.
2 reviews
June 5, 2012
“COAST: An Act Of Burial” is a powerfully written novel. As a person who enjoys mystery and suspense stories, I was exceedingly impressed with the control that this book was written with. There is enough information that the reader feels involved in the investigation yet enough frustration that the book cannot be walked away from. It is a wonderfully intelligent story that is very well researched and uses proper terminology that adds greatly to the story. I was deeply invested throughout the story and I look forward to future works of Xander Richards. This is a wonderful read and a great gift to anyone that’s interested in crime novels.
Profile Image for Avvie Cunnington.
18 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2013
I was lucky enough to win this in a giveaway. I am so happy I did! What a fantastic book.
Non stop action from the very first page, kept you on your toes. Didn't want to put the book down. I won't go into detail about the book as many already have. If you like guns, explosives and wars this is the book for you.
Action packed book, which leaves you wanting more.
Cannot wait until the next book in the series.. would love to follow Carter, McKinley and Wilson through other adventures.
Author 3 books1 follower
May 29, 2013
Xander Richard’s book COAST won the 2013 CBC Bookie Award in the category “The Page-Turner Award for the Canadian Book You Couldn't Put Down”. With good reason since I too found it difficult to put down. Non-stop action from cover to cover makes this an exciting novel that reads like a James Bond movie. COAST should be seriously considered for a movie script because it has all the elements that keep you on the edge of your seat. A very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Chad.
357 reviews10 followers
April 28, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Plenty of action and a strong storyline. I had a difficult time putting the book down and could not wait until I some time to pick it up again and get back to the action. Special British agents, who in teams of three, can get into and out of more trouble than James Bond. I am looking forward to the follow-on adventures of TDR-12.
Profile Image for Steve.
1 review
April 26, 2012
I was unsure about reading this as i don't really go for this type of book but in saying that i was gripped and found the writing style very good and the story line and plot excellent would recommend to any budding james bond fans lets hope there's a sequel
Profile Image for Laurel.
33 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2013
This books was MUCH better than I was expecting.

When it arrived, I took one look at the cover art (Michael Bay-esque "explosions, Explosions, EXPLOSIONS!"), combined with a title that seemed like a terrible accidental or purposeful play on words, and thought "oh god".

The cover art is still a bit unfortunate, but having read the book, the title IS a clever play on words. It's unfortunate that you have to read the book to know that, because it might put you off otherwise.

But all of that aside, the book was quite good - lots of action, adventure, intrigue, a bit of romance, and an incredible amount of research to give it authenticity.

Give it a read! :)
Profile Image for Sheene,.
4 reviews
August 23, 2016
i think this blockbuster reads like a movie! the COAST action and espionage packs a punch..
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