HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO PROTECT YOUR COUNTRY?
John Devereaux, an SAS Warrant Officer, is seconded to the Australian Secret Intelligence Service and handed a mission that will test him to his very core – both professionally and personally.
The operationally deniable mission: infiltrate into Cambodia via parachute in the dead of night and assassinate two high-value targets, alone, and with two dozen enemy soldiers in his way.
From the relentless jungles of Cambodia to the chaotic civilian-filled streets of Sydney and Bangkok, to the secretive dens of Moscow and the extravagant French Riviera, explosive SAS and ASIS action uncovers a shadowy and powerful organisation that brings us face to face with the Russian Mafia.
Unbeknown to Devereaux, the Director-General of the Secret Intelligence Service, Magnus Webb, is testing him for a far more important role – to head an off-the-books clandestine cell buried deep inside this secret organisation and known only as MANTRA-6.
Devereaux’s mission has only just begun …
Maka Amazon –
Mantra-6 BRIMSTONE, Author Russel Hitchings. Has wrote a great book on realistic events that do happen. Such books aren’t wrote on imagination alone, the characters, missions, locations and organisations in this secretive craft can only come from experience. This dangerous action packed book is a must read, for any person wanting an action pumped adventure into the unknown. Maka.
David Dallas – Amazon –
True to Life – Great reading
Carl Budding Amazon –
Easy Reading Plenty of Action
Credible author – instantly warmed to the main character – easy reading, nice detail and realistic – looking forward to Nitrate – Nice job Russel
Keith M. Amazon –
5 out of 5 Stars – Fast-paced action that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat!
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase via amazon.com.au
Russel Hutchings takes us on a roller coaster ride across several countries alongside John Devereaux, a non-compromising, tough, professional Australian SAS Warrant Officer. Seconded by ASIS, Devereaux is sent into Cambodia on a dangerous mission which ASIS has assured will be plausibly denied if he fails. So success is the only option and Devereaux is against the odds.
This is a fast-paced novel that had me engaged from beginning to end. I felt like I was right there alongside John Devereaux, parachuting in with him, sitting in the passenger seat as we hurtled at breakneck speeds, or ducking for cover as bullets ricocheted off the road nearby.
What made this all the more interesting is that Russel Hutchings is himself a former Australian SAS Warrant Officer, so the scenarios painted in this novel come from a long experience in one of the finest special forces units in the world. The fact this is a debut novel is exciting. I can’t wait to read more books from this series, not to mention any other novels that the author sends my way.
Highly recommended!
Jon Gorton – Amazon –
Exciting and authentic. I bought a copy for a mate, I know he’ll enjoy it.
This is a ripper of a book, I couldn’t put it down. Fast paced while maintaining intrigue. The author has used his deep knowledge and real life experience to bring us into the world of special operations personnel and how they work closely with our intelligence services to get the job done. Rarely do we get such a clear picture of dangers they face and the resourcefulness required to achieve their objective. Really looking forward to the next book in this series. MANTRA-6: BRIMSTONE
Tom – Amazon –
Amazing book! Lots of great details in the action written by a man that has been there and done that! Keep up the great work Russel and I am already looking forward to your next book!
Aman Multani –
In my honest opinion this is, by far, one of the best books written on any Military / Specials ops. Being a veteran myself I can relate to almost everything mentioned in the book. Its a great story about highly motivated and selfless men and women who go beyond and above in the line of duty. Its truly engaging and a “Must read” for Military history / Special ops buffs.
Awesome book by a great writer!
Anthony McNulty –
From the world of international SF this is the real deal, the operators expertise in this dark field craft makes it a must read. it’s a thrilling adrenaline pumped experience once read never forgotten. MAK. ( Ex Para)
Brian McMurtrie –
Excellent book, this is one off two books of the Mantra 6 series an action pact adventure written by a former Regiment Operator.. highly Recommend this book if you are a fan of McNab, Ryan, or Duggan.. you will like this Book.
Correna –
This book will have you on the edge of your seat right from the start. It’s a jam packed with Action, Adventure and Espionage – I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to reading to sequel!
Mark –
Great read I highly recommend it would make a great movie
David Horne –
Up there with Ryan and McNabb……..great book.
Non stop from front to back.
If you enjoy action then this is a must read .
Just waiting for the next adventure from Russ.
John Harmsen –
Love this book- brings you right into the story and keeps you engaged. If you love military based novels, this is a great read.
Marcel –
A really enjoyable and easy read. Loads of action from start to end keeping the reader wanting more.
The writer manages to keep the readers attention and imagination captured.
Although fiction, the book highlights the issues and problems faced in the real world by governments and security agencies all over the world to counter and address organised crime. Focusing on these issues faced everyday, makes the story believable and the reader want to cheer Devereaux and Mortimer Acquisitions on in their fight.
The writer also manages to make the characters realistic by highlighting strengths and weaknesses as people would typically experience in the real world. But it never gets overly emotional and there can be no doubt that action is the crux of the book.
And a nice change from the ‘normal’ American or British heroes that one would find in similar action books.
A most enjoyable book with the closing chapter leaving the reader with a desire for more. Well worth reading.
Well done Mr Hutchings, a great book! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Peter Bowring –
My read of Mantra 6 Brimstone was an exciting journey with this ex soldier carrying out overseas missions….
the story- I as a former military soldier observed provided exacting and exciting theme leading to an exciting finishing climax….
the author certainly knows his stuff which sets a strong platform for the novel as it unravels its suspenseful journey from the start to the finish…
Cannot wait for the next novel…..
Paul Roberts –
Who Dares Read, Wins!
Very much enjoyed ready this book. Only took a couple of days which is unusual for me as I don’t tend to read books that fast. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series and continuing the adventure. It’s shaping up to be a great story about the operational life of an SAS solder, fictional or not!
Hannah Hall –
At first I was not sure what to make of this novel as it is not the normal genre that I read. However, as I turned the pages I found that I became more and more captivated.
The character development was not like normal novels where after 2 or 3 chapters you know what the character is like. In Brimstone, the author takes you on a journey of discovery, allow just enough information about each character to surface, yet leaving other characteristics until later. So it was a pleasant surprise and a fact I enjoyed very much indeed.
The story was high octane as the author claimed. Full of action and intrigue.
For some reason the book was written in such a way that I couldn’t help wanting to turn the page just to see what was going to happen next.
In my opinion the author has a unique way of writing and you can see that this is not written by just another author who just tells stories from his or her imagination rather than actual experience. This novel is written by someone with actual experience in the world of the SAS… it was really quite captivating and make your mind wonder as to how these spies and SAS do their jobs. It was nice to see a book written based on personal authority and experience in that type of world.
I was reading that this is a series and if that is true, I can’t wait to read the next book.
I am sure for those who like Espionage – Thriller novels, like that written by Robert Ludlum, John le Carre, Andy McNab, you are going to be most pleased with this book. I highly recommend it.
Keith McArdle –
Russel Hutchings takes us on a roller coaster ride across several countries alongside John Devereaux, a non-compromising, tough, professional Australian SAS Warrant Officer. Seconded by ASIS, Devereaux is sent into Cambodia on a dangerous mission which ASIS has assured will be plausibly denied if he fails. So success is the only option and Devereaux is against the odds.
This is a fast-paced novel that had me engaged from beginning to end. I felt like I was right there alongside John Devereaux, parachuting in with him, sitting in the passenger seat as we hurtled at breakneck speeds, or ducking for cover as bullets ricocheted off the road nearby.
What made this all the more interesting is that Russel Hutchings is himself a former Australian SAS Warrant Officer, so the scenarios painted in this novel come from a long experience in one of the finest special forces units in the world. The fact this is a debut novel is exciting. I can’t wait to read more books from this series, not to mention any other novels the author sends my way.
Highly recommended!
Maxine –
A great read. Great paced. The main character is likeable and believable. Plenty of detail without going over the top. I didn’t want to put the book down and i can’t wait for his next book.
Rickl –
I was pleased to read RUSSEL HUTCHINGS was spot on detailing the assassination sequence when a sniper neutralises his target. Very few writers have ‘real-world’ experience to convey to the reader how a sniper moves into a hide, sets himself up, prepares rifle and equipment, and details just how much discipline a sniper requires to successfully complete his task. Very accurately depicted.
BRIMSTONE is a fast paced book from start to finish written in a way the reader is able to submerge themselves into the story as though they were one of the characters.
I really enjoyed reading BRIMSTONE and highly recommend it to readers who are interested in more authenticity than fiction in the military and espionage tradecraft, particularly as it pertains to Special Operations.
An awesome book!
Ken Murray –
Russel Hutchings does an amazing job of weaving you through multiple characters during a suspense-filled thriller, “Mantra-6 Brimstone”. I felt like I really knew his main character, Devereaux, or at least knew someone just like him after only reading the first chapter or two. Hutching’s work opens with a high-altitude parachute jump (at night) into the jungle that he tells with such amazing detail and descriptors–I was hooked from the start! He really aids the reader by explaining away all of the Special Operations acronyms which sometimes have the tendency to bog a book down–simply not the case with Mantra-6 Brimstone. I highly recommend this work for all readers who enjoy a good page-turning thriller that you won’t be able to put down, just like me.
Glynn Williams –
I have read many similar books in the past, but this one really grabbed me, and I couldn’t put it down.
The characters in the story were well chosen where you felt like you had a love hate relationship with them and combine this with the author’s background, knowledge, and research it’s a great action thriller.
The line on the cover “A work of Fiction or is it” makes you wonder “What were our soldiers up to during 80’s and 90’s before SASR were all over the news papers from East Timor to Afghanistan.
I don’t want to spoil the book and give anything away so I will finish with:
When will we see the next installment Mantra-6 Nitrate Mr Hutchings?
Steve James –
I find Russel’s novel easy to read and his character Devereaux real to life. Russel’s unique experience and insight gives Devereaux such depth of character and further depth of real world operations. Russel
Hutchings is like Australian version of, Tom Clancy. My military experience is not as extensive as Russel Hutchings, but his writing puts me back into the bush and feeling al the atmospherics and emotion of the character.
Rudolf Bohmer –
Best new fiction writer! Fast flowing action and difficult to put down.Would recommend to anyone for a perfect Christmas gift.
Sue Monckton –
A cracking good read from this first time author …knows his stuff & you will be swept along in the action for one hell of a ride ! Strongly recommend this !
Glam – Book Review –
Hutchings’ prose is sharp and concise, as it needs to be for the many action sequences the book contains, propelling the action with the right amount of dialogue and description. The story is, for once in this genre, exactly the length it needs to be. The action sequences flow naturally from one to the next without becoming bogged down in the necessary descriptions of spy craft and weaponry. There are few extraneous characters, and Hutchings does not dwell on Deveraux’s personal past, letting the reader see just enough to realise that he is human. Other more established authors could well take note of this. https://glamadelaide.com.au/book-review-brimstone-by-russel-hutchings/
Malcolm Alexander –
John Devereaux is an aspirational SAS operative that manifests all that is Special Forces! Only someone with career experience like the author “Hutchings” can take you from 37,000 feet to the action with aplomb – truly an authentic and energy packed read. Who Dares Wins!
Sarah Cole –
Do you like ACTION? Fast paced, full on, action? Then here you go…read Brimstone.
There is really no other way to describe this but seriously action packed right from the start.
We follow John Devereaux, an SAS Warrant Officer who works for the Australian Secret Service and has recently been given a mission to complete.
From here, basically a whole bunch of ‘spy movie’ stuff happens… as you follow Devereaux on this secret missions. There are heaps of words and titles specific to the genre, but there’s a glossary at the start and you can easily follow the storyline and know what is going on.
Alongside the action there’s some twists and turns that keep you guessing. Such a great book for a change of pace. It feels like there’s a action movie playing in your head the more you read. Also, it actually states that it’s soon to be a motion picture…not surprised at all.
Definitely one for the action lovers…or those who just want to branch out into a new genre.
I will certainly be reading the next one!
Thank -you to Big Sky Publishing for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rudolf Bohmer –
Best new fiction writer! Fast flowing action and difficult to put down.Would recommend to anyone for a perfect Christmas gift.
David Perkins –
Great read, exciting and fast moving , I couldnt put it down. Even though we consider it to be fiction, it is an insight into a world which most of us dont ever get to see or hear about. Im glad this is the first of a series of books from the author that will take us on a journey into a world with stories that will keep us coming back for more.
A global book that anyone can read and enjoy, I highly recommend this book.
Stockley Davis –
Recently, I was given a book for my birthday called “Mantra-6: Brimstone”. The book is not my typical choice of reading material as I usually read non-fiction, although I have read several thrillers before. As I was going down to my farm for the weekend to
do some work, I decided to take the book with me to read during my downtime………. Big Mistake!
I have to say that the book was such a distraction as once I started reading Mantra-6, I was totally engaged in the story, that I just kept turning the pages.
As far as thrillers go, it had all the hallmarks one would come to expect from writers like Ludlum, Forsyth, Clancy etc. The detail in the book was quite incredible, making you feel like you were right there.
It provided a “contract” to the reader in that it made promises throughout the story that if you read on, the answers would unfold – the Author most certainly kept his promise.
I like the way Hutchings made use of time. There was always a factor of time pressure, the ticking clock so to speak, which made this thriller so readable. One of the things I was so impressed with is how this first-time Author used the crucible in keeping
all of the characters in play. It was fascinating to see how each character in the book had an essential role to play. It made the very nature of the characters engaging and allowed the plot to built to a climax that I certainly did not expect. I like the
way Hutchings carved out the characters for this book as I really warmed to the main character and began to despise and love the villains. John Devereaux, the lead character, was not like the hero’s in many other books or films, but instead, he was flawed
and had many facets that made him who he was. As for the villains, yes plural, they were so menacing, believable and well crafted.
For a first-time author, I was impressed with Mantra-6. I have read that this is actually a the first book in a series. If this is the case, then I eagerly await the next book in the series. Mantra-6 is an explosive read that will keep you turning pages to
the end.
I now have to plan another trip to the farm to do the work this book prevented me from doing.
Rodney –
2009, I met Russel while working as sixty three year old Civilian Advisor to the Afghan Army. He was quiet and did not allude to his back ground in the Australian SAS. I didn’t know what he did or who he worked for. I did often see him in the company of a South African. The book is moves rapidly. I completed it in one night. Looking forward to reading Russel’s second book in October.
Tony Meman –
Just finished last night, wow!
I was checking online & there has never been a Non fiction novel written by the Australian SAS before from my searches. There are so many from the UK & USA but I think this is the first from Aus.
Moreover, the clandestine group ASIS have always been Top Secret & now someone is writing about it, so juicy & revealing. The author is an ex SAS guy from his website & havent heard of any news of it being a fake scam…wait until the media hear about it, they love this stuff!
Its more than what I expected, so much detail & great to see a different & novel (pardon the pun) idea & approach of a new theme.
Try a buy, you wont regret it.
Steve Okeeffe –
What a great read russ you wrote this book like you were there fantastic may you was but only you will know great work look forward to next book thanks.
Sasha Gardner –
Great read, creative, detailed and brings you into the book, left wanting more, exciting.
Steve Johnston –
Russel has a gift for writing thriller books , why these books are not made into block buster movies is beyond me.
Bruce Tulloch –
With an insider’s knowledge of trade craft, weapons and equipment this is very much an authentic account of how operations, conducted by the ‘dark side’ of the intelligence services, occur in the real world. Looking forward to John Devereaux’s next adventure with the Mantra 6 team.
Vin Long –
What a great book, I think it will be a Hollywood hit once they read it!
Great authenticity & the level of detail to subject matter & fine details really puts you in the moment, really feel as though you are standing next to Jon the main character.
I like the length, dont have time with work to read big novels these days. Bought it on the weekend & finished it in under two days….in my hammock & didnt fall asleep,which is a first for me!
I read on the authors website theres a 6 part series, cant wait for the next one.
Still cant decide whether it is indeed “fact or fiction” as the title writes.
I recommend the book, good to see a Army book from Down Under, we dont get many here in the USA.
Danny –
The magic of an amazing talent thank you for taking my imagination on a journey I will not forget.
Very rare you seek six stars this author has created a new category and standard of excellence.
Well done.
Graeme –
WOW, yes quite simply WOW. When I sat down to read “Brimstone” I found it very hard to put down. The first time I had read a book in record time with great action & a story that felt real from the beginning. Russel knows how to encapsulate an audience with Brimstone the first of a proposed series that will be exciting & keep getting better and better. Bravo Zulu Russel.
Nathan Best –
A well written, good read into the shadowy world of espionage. Russel’s characters are believable and the novel drives forwards into a page turning flurry. Engaging from the first page, this novel does not disappoint. As the first novel in the Mantra 6 series it bodes well for what is to come from an Australian author who has lived the life.
Scott Myles –
Wow fantastic read from a chance encounter at the bookstore that had me heading back for more. Excellently crafted Austrailan based action novel that keep you hanging from start to finish.
The detail of equipment and operational matters is outstanding demonstrating the Author’s background and subject expertise.
Thanks Russ for the best action packed read I’ve had in recent years.
Storm Ashwood –
What a read. A page turner from the outset. But what sets this book out from the rest is the grit. The harrowing reality, the edge of your seat suspense and breathe taking action.
It doesn’t get any more real than this.
A great read for anyone. Military or civilian, doesn’t matter, if you love a good read, Mantra-6 Brimstone is for you.
Mack –
Congratulations to the author who has captured the Special Forces Counter Terrorism Operations acutely & factually. His writing is crisp, acute and clear. The tempo starts fast and keeps gathers speed . It is so refreshing to read novels which are based on reality of tactical operations and not fare fetched unrealistic fantasy.
As a Retired SF /CT Operator I highly recommend this novel as a guide to authentic SF operation.
Vicki Ludwig Goodreads –
Wow! What a great read! From the very first page you’ll be sucked into a work with a believable plot reflective of the political landscape in SE Asia at the time the book is set. The author’s real life experience as a SF operator is evident throughout the book making the tactics and field craft both engaging and realistic This book is a fast-paced, thrilling, reasonably contemporary, must read for fans of international spy or SF fiction. Do yourself a favour and set aside a good couple of hours to enjoy this one as once you turn the first page you won’t want to stop until you finish. Then, do yourself another favour and read the sequel! Having read the first two books from this exciting author, I can’t wait to read his next one.
Correna – Goodreads –
This book will have you on the edge of your seat right from the start. It’s a jam packed with Action, Adventure and Espionage – I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to reading to sequel!
Steve Matthews –
What a thrilling read from start to finish! Loved every moment and highly recommend to readers who love fast paced, high octane stories!
Graham Rafferty –
MANTRA-6: Op-BRIMSTONE is a relentless, razor-sharp thriller that grips from the first page and never loosens its hold. Russel Hutchings writes with the authority of lived experience—every operation feels authentic, every decision weighted with consequence. The pacing is brutal, the stakes are global, and the characters are forged in pressure, not cliché. This isn’t just another military thriller; it’s intelligent, uncompromising, and cinematic in scope. If you want espionage that feels real, dangerous, and unforgettable, MANTRA-6 Op-BRIMSTONE delivers in spades. A must-read!!