Publishers Weekly wrote "it's hard to get past the novel's many graceless shortcomings, clichéd language [...], cartoonish scenes and a protagonist whose superhero character desperately needs fleshing out." A reviewer for
Kirkus Reviews called Thor's prose "tangled" at times.
Library Journal, however, highly recommended the novel, calling it "an assured debut" and concluding that "this international thriller will delight readers with its nonstop action, relentless suspense, strong protagonist, and wintry settings in Utah, D.C., and Switzerland. Well researched, high-voltage entertainment reminiscent of
Robert Ludlum and David Morrell [...]." Other media, notably regional titles, were just as positive.
The Anniston Star wrote that Thor had recreated "a genre that has been firmly in the grasp of
Tom Clancy for so long is not an easy feat. Fortunately for military intrigue devotees, Brad Thor has done just that — and on his first time out too." The
Tacoma Reporter wrote "this book is one of the best entries into the military thriller genre since the early works of Tom Clancy" and that Harvath "will definitely take a place beside Cussler's Dirk Pitt and Clancy's Jack Ryan." Named one of the 10 of The Best Political Thrillers Ever by Barnes and Noble ==References==