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Rich and Jade #4
First Strike
After saving the President?s life in the Middle East, the Chance family is invited to a banquet at the White House. Teen twins Rich and Jade are ready to relax, but even in the safest house in the United States, they can?t avoid a radical American group takes the West Wing hostage to steal the U.S.?s nuclear launch codes and attack China. It?s a race through the halls of the White House as Rich and Jade fight to keep the President and the launch codes hidden from the terrorists. Higgins? action-packed adventure series featuring two regular teens comes to a close in this exhilarating thriller. Set in Washington D.C., the fast-paced narrative gives readers a captivating behind-thescenes glimpse into America?s capital.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2009
20 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Jack Higgins
480 books1,278 followersThere is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jack Higgins was best known of the many pseudonyms of Henry Patterson. (See also Martin Fallon, Harry Patterson, Hugh Marlowe and James Graham.)
He was the New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy thrillers, including The Eagle Has Landed and The Wolf at the Door. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide.
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Patterson grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As a child, Patterson was a voracious reader and later credited his passion for reading with fueling his creative drive to be an author. His upbringing in Belfast also exposed him to the political and religious violence that characterized the city at the time. At seven years old, Patterson was caught in gunfire while riding a tram, and later was in a Belfast movie theater when it was bombed. Though he escaped from both attacks unharmed, the turmoil in Northern Ireland would later become a significant influence in his books, many of which prominently feature the Irish Republican Army. After attending grammar school and college in Leeds, England, Patterson joined the British Army and served two years in the Household Cavalry, from 1947 to 1949, stationed along the East German border. He was considered an expert sharpshooter.
Following his military service, Patterson earned a degree in sociology from the London School of Economics, which led to teaching jobs at two English colleges. In 1959, while teaching at James Graham College, Patterson began writing novels, including some under the alias James Graham. As his popularity grew, Patterson left teaching to write full time. With the 1975 publication of the international blockbuster The Eagle Has Landed, which was later made into a movie of the same name starring Michael Caine, Patterson became a regular fixture on bestseller lists. His books draw heavily from history and include prominent figures—such as John Dillinger—and often center around significant events from such conflicts as World War II, the Korean War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Patterson lived in Jersey, in the Channel Islands.
Jack Higgins was best known of the many pseudonyms of Henry Patterson. (See also Martin Fallon, Harry Patterson, Hugh Marlowe and James Graham.)
He was the New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy thrillers, including The Eagle Has Landed and The Wolf at the Door. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide.
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Patterson grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As a child, Patterson was a voracious reader and later credited his passion for reading with fueling his creative drive to be an author. His upbringing in Belfast also exposed him to the political and religious violence that characterized the city at the time. At seven years old, Patterson was caught in gunfire while riding a tram, and later was in a Belfast movie theater when it was bombed. Though he escaped from both attacks unharmed, the turmoil in Northern Ireland would later become a significant influence in his books, many of which prominently feature the Irish Republican Army. After attending grammar school and college in Leeds, England, Patterson joined the British Army and served two years in the Household Cavalry, from 1947 to 1949, stationed along the East German border. He was considered an expert sharpshooter.
Following his military service, Patterson earned a degree in sociology from the London School of Economics, which led to teaching jobs at two English colleges. In 1959, while teaching at James Graham College, Patterson began writing novels, including some under the alias James Graham. As his popularity grew, Patterson left teaching to write full time. With the 1975 publication of the international blockbuster The Eagle Has Landed, which was later made into a movie of the same name starring Michael Caine, Patterson became a regular fixture on bestseller lists. His books draw heavily from history and include prominent figures—such as John Dillinger—and often center around significant events from such conflicts as World War II, the Korean War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Patterson lived in Jersey, in the Channel Islands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 25, 2015
I found the book First Strike by Jack Higgins with Justin Richards at my school library and decided to give it a try. I read one chapter and I knew that I would like this book. The first chapter grabbed my attention when a woman tried to murder a man.
This fiction book is written in the first person. The book takes place in a couple of locations but most of the action occurs at the White House. Rebels are trying to obtain nuclear missiles in order to attack China. When the rebels can`t secure missiles in China, the rebels plan to get the United States to launch their nuclear missiles against China. The rebels attack the President of the United States when the two main characters, Rich and Jade, are at the White House for a party with the President.
This is a really good book for boys in middle school who struggle to find books they like to read and may not have the greatest reading abilities. This book is easy to read and has simple vocabulary. The sentences are not too long. However, there are parts of the book that can be challenging. An example of a challenging part is there are many characters and sometimes it is difficult to keep track of them all. There are three interesting characters that the reader won`t forget. If the reader doesn`t have the best reading ability concentrating on these characters will make this book easier to read.
Also, this book is good for middle school boys who like a lot of action. Rich and Jade are in the White House when it`s attacked by the rebels. They have to try to get the President out of the White House to safety. But during the attack, Rich and Jade are split up and have no way to communicate with one another. Rich and Jade are both in danger because while they are trying to find a way out the rebels are hunting for them.
This book may be too easy for boys that are reading at a higher level. However, most boys will find the story fascinating and will enjoy the book. I would recommend higher-level readers to read this book for fun. It will be a quick, enjoyable read for anyone. This would be a good book to read over summer vacation.
This fiction book is written in the first person. The book takes place in a couple of locations but most of the action occurs at the White House. Rebels are trying to obtain nuclear missiles in order to attack China. When the rebels can`t secure missiles in China, the rebels plan to get the United States to launch their nuclear missiles against China. The rebels attack the President of the United States when the two main characters, Rich and Jade, are at the White House for a party with the President.
This is a really good book for boys in middle school who struggle to find books they like to read and may not have the greatest reading abilities. This book is easy to read and has simple vocabulary. The sentences are not too long. However, there are parts of the book that can be challenging. An example of a challenging part is there are many characters and sometimes it is difficult to keep track of them all. There are three interesting characters that the reader won`t forget. If the reader doesn`t have the best reading ability concentrating on these characters will make this book easier to read.
Also, this book is good for middle school boys who like a lot of action. Rich and Jade are in the White House when it`s attacked by the rebels. They have to try to get the President out of the White House to safety. But during the attack, Rich and Jade are split up and have no way to communicate with one another. Rich and Jade are both in danger because while they are trying to find a way out the rebels are hunting for them.
This book may be too easy for boys that are reading at a higher level. However, most boys will find the story fascinating and will enjoy the book. I would recommend higher-level readers to read this book for fun. It will be a quick, enjoyable read for anyone. This would be a good book to read over summer vacation.
July 30, 2013
I have really enjoyed this set of books about the Chance twins and their SAS father and this one was no exception. It was fast paced as all Jack Higgins tend to be and a quick and easy read.
Being an adult what I especially liked is though the teenagers are a key part of the story the action is actually done by the adults so this tends to make the stories more believable.
My mum also read these books as she is a fan like me of Jack Higgins adult books and she also enjoyed it showing that these books can cross the age barrier and be enjoyed by both young adults and grown ups alike.
Being an adult what I especially liked is though the teenagers are a key part of the story the action is actually done by the adults so this tends to make the stories more believable.
My mum also read these books as she is a fan like me of Jack Higgins adult books and she also enjoyed it showing that these books can cross the age barrier and be enjoyed by both young adults and grown ups alike.
February 27, 2021
John Chance and his teenage twins, Rich and Jade, have been invited to attend a reception in the White House as a thank you from the president for their help in a sticky situation abroad.
Two American airmen have been captured and imprisoned by rebels in China. The rebels want to set off nuclear weapons against the United States, not knowing that the warheads have been removed and taken elsewhere. John Chance goes to China on his way to the White House, while the twins head straight for the States.
At the reception, the leaders of the Chinese rebels start making trouble. The American armed forces roll up on Pennsylvania Avenue and the comms link in the White House is blocked. There's the inevitable shoot out, and some hostages are taken. The general in charge of the American forces is obstructive, until Chance's boss, Ardman, has words with certain people.
The Chinese rebel leaders want the authorisation for the American nuclear arms and are prepared to do anything to get them.
Somehow, the plot gets foiled and there's a huge clean up operation needed in a rather battered West Wing.
The Chance family seem to attract trouble like Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot attract murder. The twins are fifteen/sixteen years of age, but don't seem to be having much full time education. Their father seems to go off to all sorts of trouble spots, leaving his children to cope alone. Their mother is dead, which is why the twins are with John.
This is the fourth book about the trio and they're not a bad introduction to the world of Jack Higgins/Harry Patterson. Having read most of his other books, this series is not quite up to the same level, but still not a bad read.
Two American airmen have been captured and imprisoned by rebels in China. The rebels want to set off nuclear weapons against the United States, not knowing that the warheads have been removed and taken elsewhere. John Chance goes to China on his way to the White House, while the twins head straight for the States.
At the reception, the leaders of the Chinese rebels start making trouble. The American armed forces roll up on Pennsylvania Avenue and the comms link in the White House is blocked. There's the inevitable shoot out, and some hostages are taken. The general in charge of the American forces is obstructive, until Chance's boss, Ardman, has words with certain people.
The Chinese rebel leaders want the authorisation for the American nuclear arms and are prepared to do anything to get them.
Somehow, the plot gets foiled and there's a huge clean up operation needed in a rather battered West Wing.
The Chance family seem to attract trouble like Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot attract murder. The twins are fifteen/sixteen years of age, but don't seem to be having much full time education. Their father seems to go off to all sorts of trouble spots, leaving his children to cope alone. Their mother is dead, which is why the twins are with John.
This is the fourth book about the trio and they're not a bad introduction to the world of Jack Higgins/Harry Patterson. Having read most of his other books, this series is not quite up to the same level, but still not a bad read.
August 29, 2018
This is the 4th book in the Jade and Rich series and ends with a bang. Jade and Rich show all of the skills they have learned and put them to good use. They overcome challenges that they needed to overcome. The idea is a climax for sure, as the first book is about stopping a big oil company, the 4th one ends with Jade and Rich holding their own against terrorists attempting to launch Americas most dangerous weapons, A fleet of hundreds of nuclear missiles. The white house could have even more secret passages and ETC, but overall I am pleased with the setting. I could go on for much longer about how great this book is It ended the series in an ok state, even though it is still a cliffhanger (5th book???) and wrapped all loose ends. Who knows where the Chance twins will go next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2024
3.5* rounded down
Firstly I found certain errors in the book I had to go back and check on to be certain.
Secondly, this, without realising it is a YA book, so have had to consider what's fair for my rating.
The whole concept and plot is singular, with no subplot (s) so to speak which let the rating come in low.
Also, although YA, it's one that needs to be read with a certain amount of holding your sense of disbelief as the action including youngsters (not necessarily children but maybe teenagers) doesn't seem overly realistic in the setting of this book.
Average at best but no better than that.
Firstly I found certain errors in the book I had to go back and check on to be certain.
Secondly, this, without realising it is a YA book, so have had to consider what's fair for my rating.
The whole concept and plot is singular, with no subplot (s) so to speak which let the rating come in low.
Also, although YA, it's one that needs to be read with a certain amount of holding your sense of disbelief as the action including youngsters (not necessarily children but maybe teenagers) doesn't seem overly realistic in the setting of this book.
Average at best but no better than that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2019
The book is a good book I really like the part were they figure out that Steve's phone was really the nuclear launch device and I really like riches reaction to the realization that he was holding the nuclear launch device the whole time. I feel it was a good spent time reading this book and I will continue the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2018
This was so much fun ! Thoroughly enjoyed this covert ops story with governmental intrigue mixed in. Hawk takes on the world with help from Alex. Great cast of characters, non stop action and an awesome story makes this a hard one to put down.
June 20, 2020
Page turner
As usual Jack. Higgins has achieved his excellence of keeping the reader not putting it down until it was finished.
As usual Jack. Higgins has achieved his excellence of keeping the reader not putting it down until it was finished.
January 11, 2021
Less far fetched than the rest of the series. Quite an enjoyable read
Read
February 16, 2022IT was pretty good but during the middle of it i was thinking about abandoning it but not anymore
March 11, 2025
I liked this fast paced spy thriller.
April 4, 2018
Rich and Jade, smart, brave souls are about to go on a once in a lifetime trip like never before. With close friends, they strive to help their father, a spy father, save the president from a radical group holding the White House hostage, attempting to take their secret launch codes. Being thrown into danger, Rich and Jade have to adapt to their new lifestyle being affiliated with the president. Emotions that are unheard of are present during the course of this book. While reading, we face many people of different races, ages, and genders.
"First Strike" is a very adventurous book that hooks you, and never lets you free. Jack Higgins writes a book that comes to life, and makes you believe you are in a second world. Reading this story will get you off your feet, and jumping with excitement. "First Strike" is grabbing and takes you on a journey of your life. I recommend this novel to anyone and everyone that enjoys to be in the novel. Be ready for a one of a kind experience, that you have never, EVER, experienced before!
"First Strike" is a very adventurous book that hooks you, and never lets you free. Jack Higgins writes a book that comes to life, and makes you believe you are in a second world. Reading this story will get you off your feet, and jumping with excitement. "First Strike" is grabbing and takes you on a journey of your life. I recommend this novel to anyone and everyone that enjoys to be in the novel. Be ready for a one of a kind experience, that you have never, EVER, experienced before!
January 22, 2014
Starts on wrong foot when Harry Patterson is author credited by small print inside. Improbabilities follow and compound. Mindless fast action tumbles over glitches, renders them less noticeable. For example, to mime hunger should be easy "had no idea" p 53. Recognition fades instantly "he thought no more about it" p 119.
British Intelligence agent John Chance and his twin teens Jade and Rich sneak around against Chinese-backed villains. In England, Colonel Shu shoots potential informant Ralph. Unlikely anyone could recognize her long black braid and eyes - "one emerald green", other "sky blue" p 19 different colors from restaurant TV newscast, and that she would do everything in person, in different countries. Before falling into coma, Ralph warns Jade to protect "Football", American nuclear code briefcase.
Roles do not grow, are place-holder fighters. High body count from villains who kill, knockout darts only for crucial hostages. Silly "good guys" slow down to knock out, tie up, move away opponents. Whether to broaden niche or for political correctness, leads are both boy and girl, ages are not specified, 13-19, big enough to kick and smash adults down, not old enough to drink alcohol, not trained to shoot.
Luck, good or bad is biggest plot motivator, explosion blows tunnel, knocks out Steve in front of bad guys. Chuck just happens to know how to tap Morse code on President's homing watch on signal right team tunes in when everything else jammed p 168.
In hospital, Shu slices off life-support machine tubes. But doesn't that say intensive care? Thus should not be in a private room? Next stop is China, decommissioned nuclear missile base when rebels attack. Major final battle is congratulation ceremony at White House replaced by hostage capture.
Boss Hilary Ardman brings trained SAS team who take over when General Wilson betrays good guys. If Dex Halford has a fake leg, a handcuff joining said limb onto a table leg is an obvious ploy. Why would pros confide vital secrets to kids, such as Kate Hunter, undercover among terrorists disguised as orchestra, to Jade "there's something you can do" p 216? Gang leader Jefferson Kent looks forgettable, but voice is stereotype evil "croak .. frightening", whose first words are "I lied" p 168.
(Aside ).
British Intelligence agent John Chance and his twin teens Jade and Rich sneak around against Chinese-backed villains. In England, Colonel Shu shoots potential informant Ralph. Unlikely anyone could recognize her long black braid and eyes - "one emerald green", other "sky blue" p 19 different colors from restaurant TV newscast, and that she would do everything in person, in different countries. Before falling into coma, Ralph warns Jade to protect "Football", American nuclear code briefcase.
Roles do not grow, are place-holder fighters. High body count from villains who kill, knockout darts only for crucial hostages. Silly "good guys" slow down to knock out, tie up, move away opponents. Whether to broaden niche or for political correctness, leads are both boy and girl, ages are not specified, 13-19, big enough to kick and smash adults down, not old enough to drink alcohol, not trained to shoot.
Luck, good or bad is biggest plot motivator, explosion blows tunnel, knocks out Steve in front of bad guys. Chuck just happens to know how to tap Morse code on President's homing watch on signal right team tunes in when everything else jammed p 168.
In hospital, Shu slices off life-support machine tubes. But doesn't that say intensive care? Thus should not be in a private room? Next stop is China, decommissioned nuclear missile base when rebels attack. Major final battle is congratulation ceremony at White House replaced by hostage capture.
Boss Hilary Ardman brings trained SAS team who take over when General Wilson betrays good guys. If Dex Halford has a fake leg, a handcuff joining said limb onto a table leg is an obvious ploy. Why would pros confide vital secrets to kids, such as Kate Hunter, undercover among terrorists disguised as orchestra, to Jade "there's something you can do" p 216? Gang leader Jefferson Kent looks forgettable, but voice is stereotype evil "croak .. frightening", whose first words are "I lied" p 168.
(Aside ).
February 18, 2016
Andries Mechling
2/17/16
I read First Strike by Jack Higgins. The book was awesome. It was an action packed mystery filled with spies. The action moved from China to Washington D.C. The story follows the life of Rich and Jade who are twins and their dad whose name is Chase who is an American spy. The Chinese rebels are trying steal something (which makes it a mystery) from the United States. The action includes fighting, guns, and special forces, and Chinese Rebels.
What I liked about the book is that it was very fun to read. It didn’t get boring because it was basically always action packed. I also enjoyed the small mystery even though it was small it made the story interesting. I liked that in each chapter they ended it with a lot of suspense.
For example, there would be action happening in Washington D.C while another thing would be happening in China. Another example is that they went through action with the kids and then with action with the adults in a different location.
My favorite character was Chase. He was one of the main characters in the book. He was funny even though he was a spy. My favorite setting was the White House. I could picture it in my head because the author described it very well. Even though I have never seen the White House except images of the outside, I actually had a map of the White House in my head.
I recommend this book to teens and young adults who like Jack Higgins books or action/mystery but more action than mystery books. It flows very well. Even though I hate books, I actually liked this one. I especially like the action and that it was real and described in detail what actually happened.
2/17/16
I read First Strike by Jack Higgins. The book was awesome. It was an action packed mystery filled with spies. The action moved from China to Washington D.C. The story follows the life of Rich and Jade who are twins and their dad whose name is Chase who is an American spy. The Chinese rebels are trying steal something (which makes it a mystery) from the United States. The action includes fighting, guns, and special forces, and Chinese Rebels.
What I liked about the book is that it was very fun to read. It didn’t get boring because it was basically always action packed. I also enjoyed the small mystery even though it was small it made the story interesting. I liked that in each chapter they ended it with a lot of suspense.
For example, there would be action happening in Washington D.C while another thing would be happening in China. Another example is that they went through action with the kids and then with action with the adults in a different location.
My favorite character was Chase. He was one of the main characters in the book. He was funny even though he was a spy. My favorite setting was the White House. I could picture it in my head because the author described it very well. Even though I have never seen the White House except images of the outside, I actually had a map of the White House in my head.
I recommend this book to teens and young adults who like Jack Higgins books or action/mystery but more action than mystery books. It flows very well. Even though I hate books, I actually liked this one. I especially like the action and that it was real and described in detail what actually happened.
October 14, 2014
First strike is a book by Jack Higgins. He puts a lot of action and things that make you want to keep on reading into his writing. The whole book is about a spy based story. The story starts when a friend ,Ralph tells the twins and their father that their is a chance of a nuclear threat Among theThis nuclear threat has millions of lives at risk! They must figure out who is creating the threat and stop them before they put everyone to death. Many people would love to read this book because of the action in it and even some mystery. The biggest relationship in this book is THE TWINS they are the main characters. As I said before this is a action packed book. The most or and biggest conflict is between the twins and the villain. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes spy or action books.
May 31, 2013
I thought this book was really good and would recommend this book to people who like action and adventure book. This book is about the Chance twins whos father works for a secret agent company. While their father is in China looking for American nuclear missiles they lost their, the twins get to stay in the whit house for a nice relaxing time. But that changes soon when someone targets the President and wants to kill him. The twins have to help the President and keep him safe while they try not to start World War III. In the end the twins save the President and their father comes home and they get to go back to their normal lives but most likely not for long like every other book something will happen in the next book.
January 18, 2013
i liked this book because of the set up and how it was printed. i say that because the font of the writing is bigger than most books and the book is all double spaced and makes it an easy read. in the beginning of the book it is a little confusing but later in the book it all makes scene and why Jack Higgins wrote it that way. I think that this book is a good read for someone who wants to read a book in a short amount of time but have the book still be action packed.First Strike
September 30, 2015
I think this book is a really good book! I like how the author takes time and explains the characters and their backgrounds. My favorite character is Jade. Jade was one of the most important characters. Jade is in every chapter. My favorite part in the book is when Jade and Chang snuck into the white house to steal the football. But then the secret serves caught them and kicked them out. But chang made a brake for airplanes. Chang was being chased by the Russian Airforse and then the chines but then got back to the USA and escaped them and got away.
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August 5, 2016.Barely have Rich and Jade Chance walked away from their terrifying ordeal in the Middle East, when they stumble into another nightmare. And this time, it's at the heart of the free world...As their father deals with missing nuclear missiles in China, the twins are finally enjoying their all-expenses paid trip to the White House. But the enjoyment isn't going to last long. Soon, the President they saved from assassination in Sharp Shot is targeted again. Now Rich and Jade face a shocking siege and a battle to prevent World War III - all from the comfort of home. The President's home...
November 26, 2011
Entry 1-
The main characters are Chance, Jade, and Rich. They are protagonists. The antagonists are Marshal Weing, Colonel Shu, Wilson, Kent and all their helpers.
Entry 2-
The setting is always where all the action is. The point of view os from the narrorator making it third- person.
Entry 3-
Marshal Weing, a chinese person, tries to get the Football to send nuclear bombs against his own country, but is stopped by Rich, Jade, and Chance
The main characters are Chance, Jade, and Rich. They are protagonists. The antagonists are Marshal Weing, Colonel Shu, Wilson, Kent and all their helpers.
Entry 2-
The setting is always where all the action is. The point of view os from the narrorator making it third- person.
Entry 3-
Marshal Weing, a chinese person, tries to get the Football to send nuclear bombs against his own country, but is stopped by Rich, Jade, and Chance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2012
First Strike is by another great author, Jack Higgins. He puts a lot of action and suspense into his writing. This is a fantasy/spy story. The story starts when an old acquaintance, Ralph warns the twins and their father, Chance of a nuclear threat. This nuclear threat has millions of lives at stake. They must figure out who is creating the threat and stop them before they get ahold of The Football. This is a great story for anyone who enjoys a good political spy story packed with action.
Read
March 6, 2016Twins Rich and Jade Chase, with their father, realize the world is on the brink of a Cold War. Can they save the US president, stop international crime bosses and survive the nightmare of being held hostage? A very good action-packed read for teens.
"Jack Higgins, master of the modern thriller, teams up with Justin Richards, bestselling author of Dr Who, to deliver a fantastic new instalment in the 'Rich and Jade' series - Sure Fire; Death Run; and Sharp shot."
"Jack Higgins, master of the modern thriller, teams up with Justin Richards, bestselling author of Dr Who, to deliver a fantastic new instalment in the 'Rich and Jade' series - Sure Fire; Death Run; and Sharp shot."
April 16, 2015
This was a great book I didn't know at the time I started in the middle of the series but I got on board very quick. This book started great from the beginning with action packed gun fights and chases. I've read a few series with kids like this and this book was one of my favorites.
June 24, 2010
this book is really awsome
March 31, 2011
Like CHERUB but more sophisticated and without training.
May 31, 2011
Didn't finish it.
April 27, 2012
its about about how jade and rich try to finds out who's in the mafia that was after them
April 8, 2013
I think that It was suspenseful and always made you think what was going to happen next. It would make a great movie
October 28, 2013
When I started reading this book I stayed up the whole night the 4th time I read it because it everything was so clear and it was filled with actions which makes you not want to not put it down.
September 13, 2013
This was a good book. Action packed, fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews