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  • Immediate Action

  • By: Andy McNab
  • Narrated by: Paul Thornley
  • Length: 16 hrs and 26 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,133 ratings)

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Immediate Action

By: Andy McNab
Narrated by: Paul Thornley
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Summary

Immediate Action is a no-holds-barred account of an extraordinary life, from the day Andy McNab was found in a carrier bag on the steps of Guy's Hospital to the day he went to fight in the Gulf War.

As a delinquent youth he kicked against society. As a young soldier he waged war against the IRA in the streets and fields of South Armagh. As a member of 22 SAS Regiment he was at the centre of covert operations for nine years - on five continents.

Recounting with grim humour and in riveting, often horrifying, detail his activities in the world's most highly trained and efficient Special Forces unit, McNab sweeps us into a world of surveillance and intelligence-gathering, counter-terrorism and hostage rescue.

There are casualties: the best men are so often the first to be killed, because they are in front.

By turns chilling, astonishing, violent, funny and moving, this blistering first-hand account of life at the forward edge of battle confirms Andy McNab's standing in the front rank of writers on modern war.

©1995 Andy McNab (P)2015 Random House Audiobooks

What listeners say about Immediate Action

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

superb

so good, excellent writing, witty and just overall brilliant. The SAS is something Britain can be proud of.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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gripping

loved it and well written and read. I listen to audio books at work and really helps get through a shift.

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Excellent

If you could sum up Immediate Action in three words, what would they be?

This is what Andy McNab does best: writing about his time in the SAS and how he got through selection. Great set of tales, which show the level f preparation for even the simplest sounding operation that they would have practised numerous times before. I thought that some of the ground covered by this book would be similar to Bravo 2 Zulu, however, that was not the case, only a couple of short anecdotes are in both books - Rupert failing selection by being unfit causing a more capable candidate to be RTU - so no worries. Highly recommended.

What other book might you compare Immediate Action to, and why?

comparable to Bravo 2 Zulu and Chris Ryan stories when he is on form.

What does Paul Thornley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Excellent narrator and well suited for these styles of books.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Immediate action

A good read, humours and down to earth. My second book by Andy and won’t be my last

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Perfect best book loved it

This book has lots of detail about the regiment an how to become a gud soldier an then become the elite but not have his head up your arse an shows how hard life is in the special forces

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good but not the best audible

Enjoyed this story at first then it faded in the middle ending was the best bit.
Dont be put off.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Men of a different cloth

A Truly inspirational Book and remarkable life he has led. It is always so real to be immersed in this world. The writing grips you from the start. I am a big fan of his writing, ever since i read Bravo Two Zero.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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McNabs life warts & all

From his silly choices as a lad to his leadership as a SF Operator this is the full story of a brilliant soldier. Narrated fantastically it captures all the ups & downs of Andy's career & failed marriages, postings and trainings, truly recommend to anyone interested in SF or just the story of an interesting life. Mcnab is first to admit his failings and never bores you with self inhdulgence or pity. A MUST for any SAS or military fan, you'll find yourself binge reading & before you know it you'll be finished & wanting more.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Immediate Action

a Fantastic listen and well read. Gripping from start to finish. Great insight into an elite team

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable, humorous and action

Good story, and contrary to other reviews I liked the narrator, I thought he did a great job, well read, good pace and his different accents for the various characters are sound

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