Shadow Target is an adrenaline-rush that wastes no time in putting the protagonist in grave danger from the get-go.
Jake Keller, a CIA paramilitary officer, is onboard a plane heading for The Alps when the plane is shot down and Jake is the only survivor. Turns out, he was targeted by a Russian oligarch with a mysterious agenda and a mole within the CIA. As Jake flies off to London and France to get some much-needed assistance in figuring out who is gunning for him and why, there is no respite for him as he constantly fends off assassins in gun battles and mortal hand-to-hand combat.
As with the previous Jake Keller thrillers, Shadow Target contains authentic and grounded action sequences that keep the heart rate high and the sleepiness far away. David Ricciardi keeps the story running at full steam with frequent shootouts and fisticuffs with just the right amount of detail to help readers visualize the action easily.
Jake Keller’s character development is amazing in this thriller as we see Jake’s romantic interest play an important role in the narrative, not only for the story but also to further develop Jake as a vulnerable human being who is looking for a reason to keep fighting in a world where he has learned not to trust anyone.
With crisp writing and superb build-up of mystique for the mole and the grand plans of the organization targeting Jake, Shadow Target is an easy recommendation for readers looking for their next adrenaline fix. I found the culmination of the twists and turns to be a bit passive but I still enjoyed the book for what it is; a riveting action thriller from the first page to the very last. I cannot wait to see where David Ricciardi takes Jake Keller next on a mission.
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Barrington Books
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