Without Sanction Audiobook By Don Bentley cover art

Without Sanction

A Matt Drake Novel, Book 1

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Without Sanction

By: Don Bentley
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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About this listen

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
Action & Adventure Espionage Political Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Exciting Black Ops

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

Highly rated for:

Well-thought Plot Unexpected Twists Smooth Narration Likable Protagonist Engaging Story Complex Hero
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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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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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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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Like the multiple arcs

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

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Enjoyed the read

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

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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.

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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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Intense

Excellent book. The book kept me on the edge. I had to finish each chapter and could not put it down. I recommend it highly.

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Heart-Pounding Thriller Matt Drake & “Frodo” are Standouts in this Genre

Don Bentley’s Without Sanction is a heart-pounding thriller that grabs you from the first page and never lets go. At the heart of this high-stakes, action-packed novel are two unforgettable characters—Matt Drake and his best friend, Frodo—whose bond and resilience make this book a standout in the genre.

Matt Drake, a former DIA operative, is a man haunted by a botched mission in Syria that left people dead and his confidence shattered. His struggle with guilt and PTSD adds a deeply human layer to his character, making him more than just another action hero. When he’s pulled back into the field for a near-impossible mission, Matt’s sharp instincts and combat skills kick in, but it’s his emotional depth and moral compass that truly define him.

Then there’s Frodo—Drake’s fiercely loyal, one-legged former Delta Force teammate. Frodo brings both humor and heart to the story, serving as Matt’s rock in the chaos. Their brotherhood is the emotional core of the novel, with Frodo’s unwavering support reminding Matt (and readers) that redemption is possible. Frodo’s ability to crack a joke in the worst situations, coupled with his sheer toughness, makes him an instant fan favorite.

Bentley delivers relentless action, intricate tradecraft, and authentic military details that make Without Sanction a must-read for fans of Brad Taylor and Mark Greaney. But what truly sets this book apart is the depth of its characters—Matt and Frodo aren’t just warriors; they’re brothers in arms, bound by trust, sacrifice, and the will to fight another day.

If you’re looking for a thriller that blends intense action with real emotional stakes, Without Sanction is the perfect read. Bentley has crafted a powerhouse duo in Matt Drake and Frodo, and I can’t wait to follow them on their next mission.

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    4 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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2 people found this helpful