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Treadstone #4

The Treadstone Rendition

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The final days of the American presence in Afghanistan bring Adam Hayes a summons he can't ignore in the latest electrifying thriller from the world of Robert Ludlum.

Adam Hayes has stepped away from the field for the last time. He's promised his wife that he won't put his life on the line any more, and there's nothing that will make him break a promise to his wife. 

Well...almost nothing. With America withdrawing from Afghanistan and the Taliban closing in, Abdul Nassir reached out to his old friend. Ten years ago, he saved the American's life, and the time has come for repayment. The Afghan is desperate to flee his homeland. Like most of his countrymen, he is petrified by the Taliban takeover, but he also can't trust the Americans. He’s the only eyewitness to a massacre committed by a rogue team of CIA contractors. Not only can he identify the butcher who directed the bloodbath, he also has photographic proof. He’ll only be safe when those pictures are made public.

Now, there’s just one man he can trust to get him to safety--Adam Hayes.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 4, 2023

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About the author

Joshua Hood

20 books384 followers
Joshua Hood graduated from the University of Memphis before joining the 82nd Airborne Division. During his five years in the Infantry, he conducted combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
After getting out of the Army, he returned to Memphis TN and spent nine years on SWAT.
He is now a full time writer and proud father of two in Collierville, TN.

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5 stars
554 (47%)
4 stars
429 (36%)
3 stars
155 (13%)
2 stars
17 (1%)
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11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Jeremy Peers.
224 reviews28 followers
March 13, 2023
Joshua Hood knows how to write an action-packed thriller! While Adam Hayes is in the Jason Bourne and Treadstone sphere, Hood has done an incredible job of carving out his own lane in the Bourne universe. Treadstone and Bourne are ever-present in Hayes' story but aren't the focus. More like elevator music; you might not notice it but it's always there. Hayes is what Jason Bourne might look like if he had never lost his memory. If you've read anything in the Treadstone universe you know their agents aren't long for this world. Hayes is an outlier in what we know about Treadstone agents. It's compelling to see how he squares away his past with his hopes for the future instead of being constantly chased, a la Bourne. The Bourne universe is in good hands with Hood!

Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Treadstone Rendition!
Profile Image for Abibliofob.
1,336 reviews85 followers
February 6, 2023
Joshua Hood has sure found a great way to write in the Bourne universe without having any conflict with Jason himself. The Treadstone Rendition is the fourth book about Treadstone agent Adam Hayes who desperately is trying to get out of the business but stuff happens... I have always been a fan of Mr. hoods writing and he sure doesn't let me down. This one is another high speed thrill and it is set in the withdrawal from Afghanistan period. The twists in this story is both great and surprising and it's a wild ride all the way through the pages and it is very hard to put down. I am very thankful that I got the opportunity to read this advance copy from G.P. Putnam's Sons , Penguin Random House and Edelweiss
Profile Image for Mark.
1,496 reviews169 followers
May 2, 2023
Adam Hayes the man from Treadstone has resigned from said organization and after finding out that he is becoming a dad for the second time finds that he has to do something for work to pay the bills with a new kid on the way.
His new job takes him to India where he is a civil contractor for a security company, he is highly over skilled for the job but at least nobody is shooting at him.
In Afghanistan a cadre of US soldiers is massacring a hospital when its leader spots somebody getting away and when back at HQ he finds out who this person is. Abdul Nassir has evidence of criminal and treacherous behaviour and he knows he needs help from a friend. A person whose life he once saved in Afghanistan, Adam Hayes.
So Adam Hayes returns to Afghanistan in the last days of the Allied presence and on the brink of the return of the Taliban as the ruling masters. And since he is no longer Treadstone he goes in without any backup or impressive hardware.

This is the fourth Hayes novel and it is really a well written action thriller that is really difficult to put down. The action is keeping the plot moving forward and Hayes is a sympathetic person even if he is somewhat special which is keeping him barely alive this time.
Mr Joshua Hood is really bringing his A game and the book is better for it, so I’ll be looking forward to the next Treadstone novel and Adam Hayes next adventure. This one is well worth the reading time and I am sure Ludlum would enjoy reading it himself were he still around today.
Profile Image for Mike Kennedy.
868 reviews21 followers
December 28, 2023
Joshua Hood’s forth entry into the Treadstone Series that revolves around Ex-Treadstone agent Adam Hayes. The book starts with an old friend of Adam’s from his time in Afghanistan, Abdul Nassim, in trouble. Adam drops everything to go to Afghanistan to find his friend and his family, and bring them to safety. Standing in his way is a rogue CIA agent who has been selling weapons to the Taliban. He will stop at nothing to retrieve the proof of his treason from Nassim.

This book is a page turner. The rest of the books in the series, it is full of nonstop action. The bullets never stop flying as Adam tries to save his friend. Setting this book during the United State’s withdrawal from Afghanistan added for a number of twists and turns that only added to your enjoyment of the story. The plot was excellent and the dynamic of someone not after Adam Hayes directly was a fresh way to present the story.

Overall this book and this series is excellent. Mr. Hood writes with a purpose and intensity that really draws you in. There is no lack of action through out the book, so it never slows down. If you are a thriller fan this is a must read. Thank you to @Netgalley @PenguinbooksUSA and @Joshuahoodbooks for a free advance copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mike Kennedy.
868 reviews21 followers
January 16, 2023
Joshua Hood’s forth entry into the Treadstone Series that revolves around Ex-Treadstone agent Adam Hayes. The book starts with an old friend of Adam’s from his time in Afghanistan, Abdul Nassim, in trouble. Adam drops everything to go to Afghanistan to find his friend and his family, and bring them to safety. Standing in his way is a rogue CIA agent who has been selling weapons to the Taliban. He will stop at nothing to retrieve the proof of his treason from Nassim.

This book is a page turner. The rest of the books in the series, it is full of nonstop action. The bullets never stop flying as Adam tries to save his friend. Setting this book during the United State’s withdrawal from Afghanistan added for a number of twists and turns that only added to your enjoyment of the story. The plot was excellent and the dynamic of someone not after Adam Hayes directly was a fresh way to present the story.

Overall this book and this series is excellent. Mr. Hood writes with a purpose and intensity that really draws you in. There is no lack of action through out the book, so it never slows down. If you are a thriller fan this is a must read. Thank you to @Netgalley @PenguinbooksUSA and @Joshuahoodbooks for a free advance copy for an honest review.
432 reviews20 followers
January 16, 2023
Robert Ludlam’s The Treadstone Rendition by Joshua Hood is another action-packed, nonstop thriller. It is exciting from beginning to end with heroes, traitors and innocents desperately trying to succeed and survive.

Thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the opportunity to read this exhilarating ARC.
Profile Image for Keshav Nair.
288 reviews
September 5, 2023
"The Treadstone Rendition" by Joshua Hood is a pulse-pounding thriller that plunges readers into a world of high-stakes action, and intense psychological warfare. Hood delivers an adrenaline-packed narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Shepherd Operative, Adam Hayes has promised his wife that he will not undertake any more Treadstone covert assignments, and after finding out that he would become a dad for the second time, he must keep his promise. He finds a job in India with a security company that will pay his bills, although he is over-qualified for the assignment. At about the same time, the US has decided to withdraw completely from Afghanistan and the Taliban is all set to take control of the regime. Adam Hayes receives a distress call from an old friend and one of the Captain in the Afghan National Army, Abdul Nassim. Ten years ago, when the US was fighting alongside the Afghan Army, Abdul Nassim had saved his life. Now it is the payback time.

Abdul Nassim is desperate to flee his homeland along with his family and children before the Taliban arrests and tortures him and his family. He is also the witness of a massacre at a hospital of Taliban forces and one of their commanders, that was masterminded by a rogue CIA operative. The CIA operative was back-selling huge cache of US arms and ammunitions to the Taliban in exchange for money wired to his personal account. After the pull-out, should the Taliban name him in the nefarious transactions, his career would be in jeopardy and therefore, he takes the last step to eliminate all his handlers within the Taliban regime. Abdul Nassim is not only witness to this carnage but also has photographic evidence as well. So now not only, the Taliban but also the rogue CIA operatives are hunting him before these are made public. Abdul places his trust only one man to exfiltrate him out of the country – Adam Hayes.

Adam Hayes must return to Afghanistan in the last days of the US pullout, find the whereabouts of Abdul Nassim and his family, and rescue them out of the country amidst him being hunted by the Taliban and the CIA. With no Treadstone backing him, Hayes must go without any back-up and arms into the treacherous country. He must move heaven and earth to save his friend.

Hood's writing is crisp and fast-paced, seamlessly blending descriptive prose with sharp dialogue. His attention to detail brings the settings to life, whether it's the dimly lit backstreets of Delhi or the tense atmosphere of high-stakes action. The author's background in military service and intelligence work lends authenticity to the story's technical and tactical aspects, adding a layer of realism that enhances the reading experience.

The supporting cast, from enigmatic allies to cunning adversaries, is equally well-developed, each contributing to the intricate web. The novel's strength lies in its heart-pounding action as the plot hurtles forward with daring escapes, explosive confrontations, and ingenious strategies elevating the book to an adrenaline-fueled thriller. The overall impact is undeniable, making it a recommended read for anyone seeking an adrenaline-packed escape into the world of covert operations.
Profile Image for Diwakar.
24 reviews
April 7, 2023
I have finished reading the latest entrant of the Joshua Hood’s fourth entry of his Adam Hayes series The Treadstone Rendition. For the folks who don’t know Adam Hayes he is an Treadstone assassin of Jason Bourne calibre. I’ve read only the first 6 books of the Jason Bourne way back when I was in High school but I couldn’t follow it up because of various reasons and gradually I lost interest in that series. I think due to TheRealbookspy I came across this series and began to read it. First of all this series was a perfect offshoot for the Legendary Jason Bourne series other being The Blackbriar series by Simon Gervais. This series was filled with believable yet awesome action set pieces in exotic locations from the get to go. The fourth novel of this revolves around the extraction of an Afghan commando and his family from the clutches of Taliban and an Rogue CIA asset. The evacuation of Afghanistan played a minor role in Brad Thor’s Rising Tiger and a vital role in Brad Taylor’s The Devil’s Ransom. But in this novel a major chunk of the action revolves around the evacuation as well as the collective struggle of Hayes and Hassim his family to reach the airport within the correct time of evacuation . The very likeable aspect of the Adam Hayes is he isn’t shown as a Genetically enhanced super soldier with super strength but shown as a vulnerable guy with iron will and attitude that doesn’t bucks under the extreme pressure he was subjected to. On the whole another worthy book you can enjoy for the coming weekend. If you’ve not started the series yet I highly recommend it for you to try also I’m eagerly waiting for his upcoming novel Guardian as it’s mere description in Goodreads makes me want to read it. Thanks for reading the review guys.
81 reviews8 followers
April 5, 2023
This series keeps getting better! Joshua Hood is a name more readers should know.

Adam Hayes is back and we find him leading a more peaceful, family oriented existence, which after the last book is where he needed to be. But he soon gets a call from a man whom he owes his life to, who needs to escape Afghanistan before the last American plane leaves or he and every member of his family will die.

Hayes cashes in every chip he has for the ability to drive into Afghanistan unarmed and hopefully get to his friend, but as the situation unfolds it becomes obvious that between the Taliban, rogue members of ground branch, and the gridlock that was the fall of Afghanistan will make his task nearly impossible.

While many recent books have used the war in Ukraine as a backdrop for their plots, this is only the second book I have read that uses the chaos, destruction, and abandonment of the US’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, as the setting. The other book, Brad Taylor’s “The Devil’s Ransom”, used it tangentially as a trigger for the story. While with this book the drawdown and the country itself are almost a character unto themselves, and it was done really well.

This book and the rest of the series are great, and if you haven’t read them you should. It can be read as a stand alone, but they are all great, so do yourself a favor and read the series.
Profile Image for mommy_and_books.
1,095 reviews23 followers
February 26, 2023
I am very impressed by Joshua Hood's latest book "THE TREADSTONE RENDITION". I got a strong plot with amazing twists and turns. The main character impressed me so much that I was very worried about his life. He was in danger all the time. His life hung in the balance. Did he survive the practice of saving his friend and his family? You will find out as you read this book. Here I got bloodcurdling chases. Fighting the Taliban and traitors to America. Who will really turn out to be the greatest traitor and saboteur? Will he get the punishment he deserves? Our main character is Lieutenant Adam Hayes. He is a very honest and honorable man. When his friend Abdul Nassim asks for help to save his family's life and he will not hesitate to help. He will move heaven and earth, ascend to hell just to save Nassim's family. In the process, he will find a traitor. Will he make it on time? Will the traitor beat him? The prologue itself is very dramatic. The downing of a US CH-47D Chinook supply helicopter in Afghanistan killed 38 people, including 30 US soldiers. Who is responsible for such a huge tragedy? Find out by reading this novel. It is recommendable. I would love to see this novel on the big screen.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,227 reviews50 followers
April 4, 2023
Adam Hayes is back in action! With another baby on the way Adam has been forced into private security work - something he always vowed never to get involved in. But his latest assignment puts him in a prime position when he receives a call from an old friend. A friend whose life is in danger.

Adam leaps into the fray and tags along some unlikely and not at all voluntary allies! He and Seth make their way into the hot zone and the action just keeps climbing from there.

Traitors, Taliban and surprising help all collide in another rip-roaring adventure. Adam manages to be both reminiscent and also completely different from Bourne. Adam is a family man, pulled in many directions by his sense of duty and family. HIs loyalty to his friends is admirable and he doesn't hesitate when they are in trouble.

I loved learning about his friendship and bond with Abdul Nassim and his frenemy status with Seth was actually a touch of lighthearted entertainment in the story which otherwise goes at 100mph! Brilliant descriptions of the landscapes and battles make you feel that you're right there in the middle of all the action and the calm acceptance of everything by Mrs Hayes is beautiful and shows just how they work so well an endure when others would break.
10.7k reviews174 followers
March 30, 2023
Adam Hayes once again thought he was out and then...the call comes and he realizes he must return to Afghanistan to rescue his old friend Abdul Nassim who is facing a serious threat from both the Taliban and a nefarious US contractor as the country spins out of control. This is fast paced, topical, and more than a little violent (it's a war, after all). The bad guys are really bad. Adam, who has a good sense of himself, manages things few could. This isn't really a Treadstone book - Jason Bourne is a cameo at best- it's a Hayes book. He's a good hero, the sort of person you'd hope to come to save you and your family in these circumstances. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. This will be a fine standalone page turner. And, for those familiar with the series- as before, will Hayes make it home in time?
Profile Image for Ricki.
1,089 reviews11 followers
April 25, 2023
Adam is currently working for a private contractor having left Treadstone in order to be with his wife, son and another baby on the way when he receives a call from an old friend Abdul Nassir in Afganistan that saved his life before Treadstone.

He is in danger, Afganistan will fall within days (exactly like on TV) and a corrupt group of CIA contractors headed by Porter is after him for having evidence of his corruption. The only one who he trusts is Adam.

Adam calls in any favors he can to get there and save Abdul and his family from Porter. Lots of injuries and bodies but Adam keeps going sometimes thinking he will never meet his new baby but Treadstone guys don't think that way. The last favor he calls in has him owing his old boss and most likely being sucked back into Treadstone in the next book of the series
46 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2023
Thank you to the publisher, author and Net Galley for the ARC for this book. This is the 4th Book in the Adam Hayes saga within the Treadstone realm, and once again, Joshua Hood proves to be a master of non-stop action. In Treadstone Rendition, we find Adam Hayes being slowly but surely drawn back into the Treadstone fold and portends exciting things to come. There is one caveat here which caused me not to give 5-stars, and that is, I think it is possible that the Treadstone universe is getting a little too crowded. If anything, I feel this series could thrive better in its own space, rather than be put within this Ludlum universe. Regardless, I did finish this book in 2 days, and this author's style has really grown on me over the past 4 books. Definite thumbs up.
153 reviews15 followers
March 29, 2023
I was a big Robert Ludlum fan, but this was not quite the same. The basic story had possibilities, and the scenes about the actual rescue were good. However, I thought Adam's character could have been better developed, and there were a few loose ends--wasn't sure how all the help was able to appear at just the right moment, and what happens next was up in the air, Maybe Hood intends a series? I received this as an arc from NetGalley and was not pressured to give a positive review.


Ramona Thompson
548 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2023
Falls off the pace a bit

Set in the fall of Afghanistan as the Taliban run riot in the countryside and in the capital, this just falls a little flat
Given the widely known pandemonium that was Afghanistan at the time Adam seems to just be able to swan around the country and be ignored by everyone, with only those in a trial pursuit of him taking any.notice. it lacks believability
As with all the books in the series, there is no stop action, with a lot of introspection from Adam, mainly about his previous times in Afghanistan and why he is here this time around
8 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2024
Very entertaining book. It's been around 40 years since I read Robert Ludlum's original books about Treadstone in the Jason Bourne series so I can't remember enough to make an intelligent comparison. That said, I thought the book did a reasonable job of staying true to the type of agent the Treadstone program produced. It pretty much nonstop action once the story develops. Possibly a few too many narrow escapes from the bad guys but still worth the read. If you've seen the Bourne movies, you'll see it follows that kind of action movie plot they have.
1,839 reviews22 followers
April 4, 2023
Adam Hayes gets a call from an Afghan man who saved his life years ago. The man and his family are in danger he Adam is the only one who can help him. Not only is the Taliban after him but there is also a rogue CIA agent who wants him and his family dead. The action in this books starts from the first page and never lets up. Adam has more lives than a cat, but he may have run out. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
Profile Image for Denice Langley.
3,677 reviews35 followers
April 6, 2023
Set in the Treadstone world of Bourne, this is the 4th book in the Treadstone world featuring Adam Hayes. Written by Joshua Hood, it's obvious he is a Ludlum fan, he maintains the tension filled, fast paced, bite your finger nails off stories that we expected and received from Robert Ludlum. Hood may have borrowed some of the back story, but his story telling skills are 100% exciting and page turning/ burning good.
Profile Image for Alabama Anthony.
596 reviews4 followers
May 9, 2023
Under 8 hours reading time.
Adam Hayes has retired from Treadstone. He now has a job with a private security company as a troubleshooter. A sudden phone call as he is ready to head home to his family reminds him that he owes his life to an old combat buddy who now needs help and is calling in Adam’s marker.

This story seemed very plausible as it follows the fall of Kabul Afghanistan and the sudden withdrawal of US troops and personnel
1,174 reviews38 followers
March 31, 2023
Anyone familiar with the Robert Ludlum series will feel right at home in this story. Plenty of action, led by an engaging protagonist breaks his retirement promise when he hears the call to protect his friend and his country. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
Profile Image for Kevin Stumpf.
541 reviews
April 8, 2023
I like the IDEA of Yreadstone novels, but the execution is not there. This book has TONS of action, but zero purpose. This book reads as if the intro was included in another book, and the speed of climax of the story was needlessly quick with zero wrap up. It’s like the book simply ends.

What happened to the USB? What about the family? Jolene? I needed some answers, and got……NOTHING.
238 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2023
Ten years ago, Abdul Nassim, as Afghan, saved Adam Hayes life. Now Abdul is desperate to flee Afghanistan because he is in in fear for his life and for his family. Hayes is the only man he can trust to get him to safety.

This was a suspenseful and thrilling novel in the Adam Hayes Treadstone series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest in the series. I look forward to more.
2,641 reviews26 followers
July 12, 2023
Excellent; Continuing character: Adam Hayes; Hayes' pledge to stay out of harm's way is set aside when he hears from a comrade in Afghanistan who once saved his life that he and his family are in trouble. Under the backdrop of the US departure, Hayes fights against American traitors and Taliban to see the man and his family to safety
Profile Image for Nancy Cook  Lauer.
852 reviews6 followers
November 11, 2023
3/5. Joshua Hood continues Ludlum's legacy as specially enhanced operative Adam Hayes is called back to Afghanistan by a war buddy Afghan desperate to flee the county. Betrayal, violence and the usual mopping-up operations as the United States withdraws from the country, leaving their ANA buddies behind. Pure escapism of the shoot-em-up variety.
375 reviews11 followers
May 14, 2023
Another good read in the Treadstone world. These books always have great characters, great pacing, and a great plot/story. Can't wait for the next in the series. #RobertLudlumsTheTreadstoneRendition #NetGalley
Profile Image for Scott Bell.
Author 20 books109 followers
June 1, 2023
Joshua Hood writes with the authority derived from having been there and done that. You can feel the authenticity seep through the pages--both with the gear and the people who use it. Our main character, Adam Hayes, takes a beating but he keeps comin'. What more could you want?
14 reviews
June 23, 2023
A Treadstone Thriller

A CIA traitor threatens Adam Hayes’ friend, Nassim. Nassim has a thumb drive that proves Porter was a traitor. Do Nassim, his family and Hayes get out of Afghanistan? Follow the violence to find out.
Profile Image for Chris Smith.
62 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2023
Great start to the story, but it ended very poorly. It was like the author got tired and just stopped the story. There was no explanation about the CIA case of selling weapons to the Taliban. There was no information about Nassim and his family or what happens to Hayes when he goes home.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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