Shadow By James Swallow

Shadow is the perfect blend of old-school espionage thrillers with rich backstories and character-driven nature reminiscent of Robert Ludlum’s gems, and the fast-paced technically and tactically authentic action-fests of contemporary narratives. There are no punches held back in exposing the far-right evil of racists, and it makes for an even more fulfilling experience when Marc Dane and Lucy Keyes go to town on the bad guys. This has to be my favorite thriller from James Swallow and here is why.

The story is extremely gripping and captivating. Marc Dane and Lucy Keyes are introduced to the readers in the middle of an undercover mission to put an end to a human-trafficking ring run by right-wing extremists who violently stop immigrants from war-torn third world countries trying to seek refuge in Italy for better lives. The entire sequence is written with a panache as Dane and Keyes reveal themselves in a stylish fashion and give the far-right team a taste of their own medicine. Soon after, they are made aware of the kidnapping of a bio scientist who has a personal connection to Rubicon, the spy organization employing Dane and Keyes. The bio scientist is coerced to tailor a deadly biological virus, one which was being worked on by North Koreans to lay waste to a battlefield and disappear so that the deployers of the virus can conquer the battlefield and beyond. While the front row antagonists are led by a despicable and violent far-right terrorist desiring to kill all those not matching his skin color, deeming them not worthy of living, he is but a puppet of a sinister organization named Combine that is reminiscent of SPECTRE from James Bond, puppeteers who make profit from global unrest and wish to cause more armed and fatal conflicts, putting it right against Rubicon with a very shocking and surprising plan for Rubicon that will leave you shook for the better part of the day after you read it. There is no shortage of unpredictable twists and turns in which the only guarantee is that there are no guarantees. There is no safety net for characters and that made the reading experience even better for me. The plot is a globe trotting adventure that not only explores the different exotic locales, but also the people native to the locations. I love the international scale of the book, which is mirrored in style by the recent Mission Impossible movies but I would still pick this book over any movie.

Going 5 books strong, James Swallow shows no signs of any wear and tear. His character developments are superb. Marc Dane and Lucy Keyes are two of the best-defined characters that feel highly relatable and form an excellent bond together that is rare to find in the genre. Staying away from the cliches of the relationships, Dane and Keyes have a strong bond that sometimes crosses the platonic working bond in a meaningful manner that gets readers actually worked up in choosing whether to preserve their strong bond as it is or venture into a more romantic bond. This is not to say the only prominent characters in the story are Dane and Keyes, but their development, both as a pair and independently are praiseworthy. Both are different in their respectful talents, with Marc as proficient with Glock 17 but more of a tech savant and brawns guy, and Lucy being an artist with any weapon, be it a MP9, Glock 17, or an AR-15. 

The most appealing aspect of Marc Dane is how his demons continue to haunt him from the previous books and his vulnerability in adjusting to a life from a tech guy to an operator in the field feels exciting to read in a genre filled with straight-up door kicker. His instincts and field training have come a long way since the first book and it’s a proud moment for fans of the series. Same with Lucy Keyes, while she was always the door kicker, what evolves is her vulnerability with Marc as their bond strengthens. In the world of Alpha male characters, she is one of the most badass female characters written appropriately and confidently without needing to resort specifically to feminine charms, but rather focusing on her skills as a Tier One operator.  On the opposing side we have the Far-Right terrorist, Noah Verbeke, formerly of the Belgian Special Forces. The author does a fantastic job of showcasing the animosity of Verbeke and it resonates with the situations we read in news now more than ever. While he is despicable, he is not cartoonish but rather a realistic depiction of evil. The way his sentiments are worded mirror the angry words we have heard from terrorists in the real world, making his actions and characterization uber believable.

Shadow can be easily read on its own without having read the previous books in the series, but the payoff is immensely better if you have read all the previous books because there is an overarching storyline that is present in all books so far and developed beautifully, which is the chess match of sorts between Rubicon and Combine. There are so many working cogs in place by both Rubicon and Combine to take each other out as swiftly as possible, and the battles get more intense going forward as Combine finds a deadly weapon to use against Rubicon in the next thriller. This sort of grand planning is something of a rarity in thriller series these days, since most thrillers finish up the plot in the duration of the book without profoundly carrying over in the sequels. A thing of beauty!

If you’re looking for stellar action in books, you’ve found the right one. Shadow has cinematic action sequences that will look amazing on the big screen; lots of bloody fisticuffs making use of fists, knives, machetes, sauce pans, batons, and more; superb grounded and technically accurate shootouts that put you right in the midst of the shooting gallery, and some exciting foot pursuits that would feel right at home in Mission Impossible movies. The accurate and detailed technical details elevated the action for me as I was able to visualize the shootouts in all their glory. James Swallow spares no expense in his research to create a realistic narrative and the beautiful action sequences are testament to his realistic work. The final showdown between Dane and Verbeke is a feral and brutal fight to the death where you will actually be worried for Dane making it out alive, but you will also applaud Dane’s ingenuity with the creative use of flashbangs, I sure did!

Every now and then, you come across thrillers that rise above others, and Shadow is one of those thrillers. With excellent storytelling, wonderful characters, and fantastic action, this is a clear winner by James Swallow. A must-read!

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Presence Of Mine Enemies By Stephen England

Stephen England has quickly become my go-to author when I want to read a thriller that not only entertains but broadens my perspective on different cultures and religions with respectful authenticity. Presence of Mine Enemies is a thriller in the most beautiful and heart-breaking sense. I can’t imagine any other thriller impacting me the way it did.

Harry Nichols is on the run from authorities after his dark revenge spree in London, one that burned all bridges to his friends and companions. On the brink of death, he finds refuge in the Muslim community in Belgium, who welcome him and nurse him back to health. Unbeknownst to them, he’s secretly working to subvert a terrorist attack on his own. With double agents, political clashes, and ideological battles in play, Harry must see his mission through to the end, even if that carves a hole in his soul.

Stephen England once again weaves an expansive yarn of stories that run parallel with distinctive characters and subplots, entangling at the right moments for the right payoffs. England’s ability to masterfully gel together so many moving parts at once while keeping them relevant to the bigger picture is simply marvelous. Characters, dialogues, and action all complement each other in realistic fashion. 

One of the best parts that truly distinguish Harry Nichols from every other protagonist you’ll read, is how far England goes with putting his star character through the wringer. The mental scars of undercover work are vividly explored in this book, in ways that would never make it to the mainstream thrillers. Nichols is as deadly with his weapons as he is eloquent about the poetic nature about life, offering heartfelt sentiments from a diverse range of religious scriptures that most writers sadly would gloss over to give a generalized point of view. 

Presence of Mine Enemies is a magnificent experience that can’t simply be restricted to a singular genre. It’s a thought-provoking character study as much as it is a fusion of adrenaline-pumping action and intelligent storytelling.

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The Break Line By James Brabazon

The Break Line is one of the best action thrillers I have had the pleasure of reading. It’s one of the books whose uniqueness and sheer unbridled violence will stay with you long after you have read it. As a debut, I have nothing but immense respect for the author’s ability to write a refined action thriller that is written extremely well for a debut. Imagine a cross between Victor the Assassin books and James Rollins thrillers, and you have The Break Line.

The Break Line debuts Max McLean as a hardened British assassin who is part of a black-ops unit, called The Unknown, that is responsible for doing the dirty work the government does not wish to be associated with. Immediately we see McLean establish his bona-fides as a competent and autonomous assassin, but one who is somewhat tired of living a life of violence in the shadows. When his gut instinct tells him that something is wrong with the target he is assigned, he chooses to forgo his mission and is called back. To make up for his lack of conformity with the program, he is offered a mission to take out a rebel leader in Sierra Leone, one whose death will end bloodshed and save lives. As simple as it sounds, it isn’t.

This is where the plot ventures from purely espionage and assassin-style to the James Rollins style, with some horror elements. On his way to the target, McLean comes across a town that is supposedly closed off for an outbreak of Cholera. But when McLean digs further, he comes across a display of violence unimaginable under normal circumstances. Bodies ripped apart brutally, bitten, torn limb from limb. This is linked directly to the rebel McLean is there to kill. As Max gets closer and closer to his target, he is targeted by forces led by a shadow group, one that has a direct link to Max himself. Without spoiling more, I will simply say there is no lull in the fast-paced narrative.

The action in this phenomenal thriller is adrenaline-pumping and visually appealing for all fans of the action thriller genre, with detailed combat sequences of fisticuffs as well as shootouts that are described in a manner that the reader feels right in the middle of the combat zone. With accurate details pertaining to technical weaponry and sequences that demonstrate the author’s research into weapons systems, the action in this book is on par with the best of the genre. McLean favors a Sig Sauer pistol, a relatively rare sight in the books but a welcome one.

Max McLean, while a badass protagonist, is also an intriguing one. As the book often reveals details about his past, we see McLean described as a “legally sane psychopath”. Early on in the book he is shown as a soldier willing to pull the trigger unflinchingly when ordered to on an unsuspecting family man. This side of him is balanced with his humanity; even operating in shades of grey, he tries to do good to innocents around him. The narrative is full of meaningful encounters where his humanity overcomes his killing nature. That being said, he isn’t the most forgiving person. Encountering several unarmed civilians who pose a threat to his mission, he shoots first without bothering to incapacitate them, yet his actions will resonate well with the readers. That is the beauty of his character.

The unique and rare blend of assassin-style vibes and science-fiction elements of biological viruses and genetic mutation is brilliantly thought out and portrayed in this story. Deep down, it is a story of mankind’s struggle in walking the line between selfish and selfless, and it applies to Max not just directly but through his discoveries throughout the narrative. There are elements of gruesome horror that will haunt readers with the unfiltered descriptions of horrifying actions perpetrated by beings that are no ordinary humans. Be prepared for some shocking twists, abrupt turns in the plot that would keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and some badass moments that establish Max McLean as the new gun on the block that no one should ever mess with. I highly recommend this action thriller, and I am absolutely thrilled to read more by the author.

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Fault Lines By Steven Hildreth Jr.

Fault Lines is the perfect blend of politics and action in a thriller that is as intellectually stimulating as it is wildly entertaining with gruesome shootouts and wonderfully developed characters. Steven Hildreth Jr. delivers on the highest expectations a thriller aficionado can have going into the first book in the Forsaken Patriots series.

John Bradshaw is a former Army Ranger rocking a 70’s stache as a private investigator/bodyguard who is assigned to protect Gabriela Rivera, an outspoken Latino political activist fighting for the rights of immigrants, facing imminent danger from white supremacist groups. As Bradshaw investigates the threat, he comes across a certain individual aiding the white supremacists, a Russian who Bradshaw had crossed paths with and shot during a skirmish in Afghanistan. With a new threat vector and a political conspiracy going up to the highest levels in the new administration at the White House, Bradshaw must protect his principal’s life at all costs, no matter what lines he may have to cross.

Fault Lines tackles the divisive political ideologies in a fashion unlike any I’ve read. Bradshaw and Gabriela are on the extreme opposite spectrum of political ideologies on all things from weapons to immigration and there’s no blatant favoritism in the writing itself. As the narrative progresses, we see the characters warm up to opposing sides of the conflict, evaluating the two-sided conversation with cooler minds, warmer hearts, and declining egos. The political theme stemming from the characters rather than a narrative-push is engrossingly fascinating and refreshing that makes you ponder over the realistic points made by the characters.

I picked this book for the promise of spectacular action and I was blown away by the sheer excellence of the combat sequences. From tactically and technically descriptive and authentic shootouts to quick and dirty hand-to-hand combat, Fault Lines is packed with cinematic action sequences to hook even the most hardcore action fans. From shootouts in enemy hot zones to urban settings, the sequences take on lives of their own with exquisite tempo to match each scenario. 

Smart narrative, pragmatic protagonist freed from cliched tropes, an engaging political tit-for-tat, and top-tier action; Fault Lines should be your next immediate read if you haven’t read it already. With such an emotionally jarring ending, the whole experience is one of the best roller coasters you’ll ever get on. 

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Into The Black Nowhere By Meg Gardiner

If there’s one thing I love as much as action in a thriller, it’s the suspense that keeps me on the edge of my seat flipping the pages even if it’s way past midnight. Straight out of watching Netflix’s Mindhunter, I wanted a dark and visceral story in the same vein. Into the Black Nowhere is exactly what I craved to read.

After UNSUB’s twisting ending, Caitlin Hendrix has joined FBI’s elite Behavioral Analysis Unit. When a deranged serial killer near Austin starts preying upon women, killing them in gruesome ways and dressing them up like dolls, Hendrix must profile the killer by getting inside his violent thoughts, and catch him before the killer picks his next victim by the week’s end. This sets up an enthralling race against time where Hendrix has to outsmart a modern-day Ted Bundy. 

I literally could not put the book down for even a breather. Meg Gardiner builds up the narrative with extreme suspense without losing any momentum. The clues unfold in smart and believable fashion, making you feel like you’re solving the murders with Caitlin Hendrix and her team. The nail-biting pace is terrifyingly and irresistibly refreshing, with copious amounts of twists and turns that keep the investigation engaging. At the same time, Caitlin Hendrix continues to be developed wonderfully as a badass FBI agent with a strong emotional epicenter that keeps her vulnerable without weakening her resolve. 

I commend Meg Gardiner for a fresh take on the serial killer trope with a strong inspiration from real life cases. The action-packed finale explodes with the intense energy that was building up from the moment Hendrix and the killer first crossed paths. UNSUB drew me towards Meg Gardiner’s work but Into the Black Nowhere made me a true fan!

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Freefall By Adam Hamdy

Adam Hamdy writes intense suspenseful thrillers like none other. His charm is in keeping every thriller extremely unpredictable. The first book in the series, Pendulum, set a high bar with a uniquely riveting storyline and an unconventional protagonist who survived by his wits. Rather than hastily wrapping up a treasure trove of expansive storyline in a single book, Adam Hamdy has explored it further in the bigger and darker sequel, Freefall. 

Adam Hamdy continues the entangled stories of John Wallace, DI Bailey, and Special Agent Christine Ash as they try to move on from the traumatic events of the first book where a vigilante was targeting all those who had cyberbullied his sister into committing suicide. A mysterious group known as The Foundation shows itself as the brains behind Pendulum with the goal to digitize the world economy using blockchain to manipulate the vast digitized financial assets. With clandestine members in every corner of the world embedded in law enforcement and military factions, there is no one out of reach for the Foundation. It’s up to the trio to get back in the fight and put a stop to the nefarious Foundation before it becomes too powerful.

Freefall had me biting my nails in sheer terror the whole time. The characters are put through the wringer in the most disturbing ways and they don’t come out the same. The sudden and unexpected jolts of crisp action and mind-bending revelations keep you glued to the book long past bedtime. Yet at its heart, Freefall succeeds in thrilling readers because of the super realistic and relatable main characters with graceful character developments over the chapters. If there’s danger, they won’t jump in with a cavalier attitude but with a true sense of apprehension that they may not get out alive. The absence of silly plot armors makes the losses gut-wrenching and exact immense psychological tolls on the characters as well as the readers.  The narrative keeps accelerating faster by the chapters and never loses momentum as Wallace, Bailey, and Ash are chased by assassins relentlessly all over the globe from the mountains of Afghanistan to the metropolitan cities of UK and USA. There is no sense of safety for even a moment as the continuous vibe of impending doom looms over the characters at every step of their fight for truth and survival.

I don’t normally binge thrillers; I like to dip into various different series before making my way back. I made an exception this time by ordering the final book in the series five minutes after finishing Freefall because the ending left me rattled with a ball of nervous energy that can only be dissipated once I know what happens next. I highly recommend reading Pendulum before you read Freefall so that you may bask in the immersive experience of reading an ingenious storyline spread over multiple books.

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The Pendulum By Adam Handy

Fresh off the last page, I cannot praise The Pendulum enough for its ingenious and disturbingly resonating story, uber-realistic protagonist, horrifying antagonist straight out of a slasher movie, and mind-blowing twists that kept me glued in for the entire 481 pages way past my bedtime. Adam Hamdy has become one of my favorite authors already. 

John Wallace, a war photographer, is hunted by a relentless and mysterious man wearing body armor and mask to cover up his identity. With the first attempt on his life written off as a suicide attempt covered up by an elaborate lie, Wallace sets off to investigate on his own. Never have I felt so bad for a character as I do for Wallace as he ends up in some of the worst possible situations which devastatingly break his mind, but not his spirit. Unlike most gun toting protagonists in the genre, Wallace is neither a lethal operative nor a spook, but a regular person who rises to an occasion none of us would want to endure but would like to believe we would rise to as well. I deeply resonated with Wallace and his bone-chilling fear when the masked killer would show up undeterred by any number of guns pointed at him. It speaks volumes for Adam Hamdy’s stellar and vivid writing that even I felt scared of the antagonist especially when the antagonist would go through trained cops like child’s play. Each sequence felt right at home in a slasher movie where NO ONE is safe from the big bad killer. 

Even without big action sequences, the narrative powers on at full steam. The twists kept persuading me to read more and more. Each plot-turn shakes things up with eye-opening revelations and ‘WOAH!’ shock factors. I felt so excited to find out the big mystery which, kudos to Adam Hamdy, was not revealed until the last few pages. Actions fans need not worry. John Wallace is trained in Aikido, a Japanese martial art which he liberally uses against the killer and a few other unsavory opponents in undesirable situations. The action is handled wonderfully with just the right amount of detail to easily picture the punches, grapples, and kicks without going into too much detail for the uninitiated.

Every now and then a story comes along that surprises you and fills with exciting and tense energy. The Pendulum is that and much more. Even before reading to the halfway point, I knew I would want to read more of this series. Everything about it is phenomenal, and I do mean EVERYTHING. If you haven’t read this book, it should be on the top of your to-read list without any hesitation.

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Rules For Revenge By Ian Graham

Rules for Revenge is an ideal choice for readers craving excellent action and a huge conspiracy that is just wild enough to happen in the world we live in. Ian Graham strikes a fine balance between all the necessary elements of writing a captivating action-political thriller that will hook you in from the very beginning.

We meet Declan McIver again, this time laying low with his pregnant wife after the events of the first book revealed his notorious IRA past to the public. Just when he thinks he may have a shot at a calm life, he is framed for bombings and killings that rock the delicate peace between Ireland and Great Britain. At the same time, an attempt is made on his life and a close friend is kidnapped. Spurred into action, Declan sets off on a path of gunfights, car chases, and a bloodthirsty behemoth who overshadows Declan. Balancing the action is the highly impressive storyline augmented by the fast pace and well-timed revelations that drive the story ahead while preserving the mystique. The cutthroat politics serve to infuriate both Declan and the readers as politicians scurry to save their own hides, hanging the good guys and gals out to dry. It took me back to the captivating experience of reading Vince Flynn thrillers and getting agitated as the notorious politicians of the books butted their way into situations to muddy the waters.

I picked up Rules for Revenge because I wanted pulse-pounding action complimented by a great story. As I mentioned, the story is amazing. Shifting aim towards the action, Ian Graham writes some of the best cinematic action sequences in the genre. Rules for Revenge is filled with realistic and vividly descriptive hand-to-hand combat sequences as well as excellent shootouts with the necessary tactical details that cement Declan McIver’s highly skilled background as a no-nonsense warrior. 

For the sweet topping, Ian Graham provides the narrative with compelling, intriguing, and flawed characters that come to life with realistic dialogue and fleshed out character developments, especially for Declan who grapples with the consequences of his dark past taking over his present and future. 

The story ends at a game-changing cliffhanger that shakes Declan to his core. I am so excited for what Ian Graham has in store. My advice: read Veil of Civility, if you haven’t already, and immediately follow it up with Rules for Revenge because no thriller fan should be deprived of Declan McIver’s action-packed dark adventures.

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Raven One By Kevin Miller

Kevin Miller blurs the line between fiction and non-fiction in a thriller powerhouse that shines a tremendously profound spotlight on what it means to be a fighter pilot.

Lieutenant Commander James ‘Flip’ Wilson is a decorated combat veteran and the Operations Officer for Raven squadron. Feeling trapped under a less than capable XO while trying to train his squadron to perfection, the narrative spends a great chunk of time with the hustle and bustle of life aboard an aircraft carrier, familiarizing readers with the characters and the bonds that form in such close quarters. There’s no doubt that the genuine camaraderie in the narrative owes its credence to Kevin Miller’s personal experiences and emotions as a fighter pilot, elevating the standard of dialogues and characters.

Soon after, a tragic incident pits US and Iran against each other, with Raven Squadron front and center of the conflict. Kevin Miller’s countless hours in the sky help stroke vivid and energetic flight sequences in the cockpits of F/A-18s Hornets that go terrifically well with Top Gun’s Danger Zone boosting on the stereo. The aerial dogfights instill a terrifying sense of anxiety and tension as the Raven squadron goes up against heavy fire. Flip Wilson’s one on one combat with an Iranian fighter pilot in the experimental MiG-35 is awe-strikingly stunning and worth the price of admission alone. 

Raven One is supremely exciting and insightful with memorable moments that stay with you no matter how many books you read afterwards. It is one of the stronger and more impressive foundational stories which make you want to pick up the next one in the series almost immediately. 

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No Tomorrow By Tom Wood

Craving an outstanding fast-paced action thriller to get me back in the zone after a number of slow burn thrillers with minimal action, I sought out Tom Wood’s work. I dove into the first couple of chapters to read a meticulously authentic surveillance of an unspecified target by a team of hardened killers. What should have been an easy kill turns out to be a nightmare for the assassins as their prey turns the tables on them in a scenario that seems to be straight out of a bone-chillingly horror story. That’s because their target was none other than Victor, arguably the most lethal cold-blooded assassin in the genre. Just like that, I was hooked in for a 500 page story that took me merely a day to finish because I couldn’t bring myself to put it down for anything. 

Victor is the best at what he does, killing without remorse. This time, he has to do more than just kill, he has to protect the daughter of a woman he once knew, a woman he liked and respected. The daughter is targeted for an unknown reason that remains a mind-boggling mystery until the very last act. However, there is no time to think too much about the “why” when the pace is constantly ramping up with awe-striking tactical gunfights and close quarters combat in which Victor excels as he turns anything he can get his hands on into a deadly weapon. I’ve read bullets shot through eyes before but I’ve never read a protagonist kill a bad guy by pushing the barrel of a sig sauer through the eye socket before. The action is perfect for keen visualization by hardcore fans and just as pleasing for casual action readers. 

As much as I love the action, the main reason I enjoyed this book so much was because of the characterization of Victor. From the very first impression, it’s evident he isn’t the nicest guy you’ll meet. He isn’t motivated by patriotism nor by a willing desire to help those less fortunate. He is the main character but you’ll be hard pressed to see him as a good guy. He is more of an anti-hero in the truest sense of the word and all the more interesting with his unpredictable but extremely logical actions. Tom Wood ensures that Victor doesn’t cross the fine line of completely switching over to the dark side but keeps him suspended in a limbo where he is neither the bad guy nor the hero.  While this is a bit taxing on the reader with heavy emotions and somewhat destructive thoughts, it’s equally fun to read these traits in an assassin who truly lives up to the hype of being ultimately feared.

The main takeaway is that No Tomorrow is an extraordinarily phenomenal action-packed narrative with an unconventionally bold take on an assassin who is one of the best and most complex characters you’ll ever read. Even if you haven’t read the other books in the series, No Tomorrow is still the perfect choice if you’re in need of a spectacular read to get you energized.  

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The Son By Jo Nesbo

The Son is my foray into the highly praised work of Jo Nesbo, and I was unprepared for what turned out to be one of the finest, emotionally-moving, addictively impressive books I have read to date. Every aspect of this brilliant crime thriller is written with the acute finesse of an author who brings the characters to life and makes them relatable to every reader who picks up this book. This is a stellar story of crime, tragedy, drugs, brutal violence, retribution, and love with an extremely likable protagonist who will leave you shocked as he commits brutal acts of violence but you will cheer him on as he does so, because that is the magic of Jo Nesbo as he creates the proper circumstances for the validity of bloody vengeance.

The Son takes readers on a dark and emotional ride with Sonny as a young convict in prison in Oslo who is approached by the corrupt assistant prison governor time and time again to take blame for various crimes committed by rich and elite in return for a supply of drugs in prison. His struggle is one of personal connection to his father who had committed suicide with a confession that he had been a rotten apple in the police force. One of the prison inmates informs Sonny that his father was not a corrupt policeman and had not committed suicide, but rather he was murdered to protect his son and wife. This revelation sets Sonny, The Son, on the path to clear his head of the drugs and put in motion a set of ingenious steps to exact vengeance for those who had wronged him and others, somewhat of an avenger of those who had been preyed upon. The ingenuity of his plan stems for the seemingly random encounters and actions on Sonny’s part, only to make clear sense down the line leaving the reader to scream out WOW when his plan suddenly makes perfect sense. 

The characters are written delicately and fleshed out with rich personalities so much so that they feel like real and flawed people. Each character in the mix has multiple layers of personality drawn to perfection through imperfections, backstories, and actions of the characters. Each character wittingly becomes an essential part of the story, working in tandem to develop Sonny’s likable personality through interactions with Sonny, reminiscent of the writing style of Don Winslow in his The Cartel series. Sonny is one of the most compelling characters I have read. Unlike most protagonists in similar stories who give off a violent and dark vibe, Sonny radiates an innocent and almost boyish friendliness and ease, which creates an exciting paradox when he commits brutal but arguably righteous acts of violence against the wicked.

I was not expecting this crime thriller to have much action, which is why I was surprised to read well-executed shootouts with necessary weaponry details to flow with the grounded vibe of the story.  An avenging angel cannot shy away from using a pistol or an Uzi when occasion calls for it. It also helps that Sonny used to wrestle in his high school years, giving him some credence in hand to hand combat.

The heart of The Son is undoubtedly the superb writing and character development that gives an intriguing insight into the underworld of Oslo, showing benevolence in the most unexpected of places by the most unexpected of people. I admire Mr. Nesbo’s ability to create a relatable and exciting story with the finesse of highly believable characters and mystical intrigue, packed with twists until the very last twist on the very last page. An absolute must-read by all readers, unencumbered by the limitations of genres. Hats off to superb translation from Norwegian to English with little to no grammatical mistakes. I will definitely be reading more of Jo Nesbo!

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The Cleaner By Mark Dawson

After reading consecutive slow-burn thrillers, I craved a strong dose of aggressive adrenaline rush more than anything else. I came across Mark Dawson’s The Cleaner in my local bookstore and I immediately felt this would be the right book for me.

John Milton is a black ops MI6 assassin tasked with carrying out assignments for Queen and Country, particularly missions deemed morally ambiguous or outright unethical. When a mission results in Milton taking out an innocent police officer and almost shooting a child, he decides to call it quits and seek redemption if at all possible. Control, Milton’s handler in the black ops group colloquially known as Group 15, is unhappy with his decision and puts in a plan to retire Milton with extreme measures. Meanwhile, Milton crosses paths with a young mother whose son is falling in with the wrong bunch. Desperate for atonement, Milton decides to help the family. What Milton will realize soon enough is that violence is not done with him yet. Not by a long shot.

The Cleaner is surprisingly compared to the Jack Reacher books by many readers, a comparison I do not agree with. John Milton is vastly different from Jack Reacher and more suited for the modern world especially with an espionage backdrop. Underneath the layers of espionage and action lies a beautifully expressed emotional core where Mark Dawson explores the hardships of characters of varying ages and dilemmas without error. From the confused feelings of a teenager being manipulated into joining a gang to the haunted cries of salvation from a weathered hitman, Dawson hits all the right strings to invoke the strongest emotions as you flip through the pages. The emotional center is guided by an easy-to-follow character driven narrative with realistic turns of events. John Milton is not a heartless killing machine even if inclined to do some damage. Using his head, he tries to avoid starting fights for which the repercussions will fall on the innocents. When a vicious gang boss crosses the line, the simmering energy explodes in a brutally realistic shootout where Milton goes much darker than Jack Reacher ever has. The attention to detail in the action sequences is a fantastic treat for action thriller fans and undoubtedly worth the price of admission.

The Cleaner kept me awake and active long past my bedtime with its hard-hitting story and a protagonist who captivated my thoughts with his darker than dark introduction. If a thriller has you buying its sequel even before you’re finished with the first one, it’s a special one. 

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Veil of Civility By Ian Graham

Veil of Civility is a spectacular and unbarred action thriller that presents a brutal story with superb action sequences and a grounded protagonist that is developed extremely well throughout the story for a debut. If you’re searching for a well-balanced thriller with elements of good ol’ political conspiracy with shady and despicable characters in power picking a battle against an unconventional protagonist with roots to IRA and a dark past that turned him into a lethal weapon, this is a must-read thriller that will hook you with utter conviction through sleepless nights. 

The plot picks off with a mysterious and animalistic terrorist, Ruslan Baktayev, being released from a grim Russian prison for a nefarious mission. Back in the USA, Declan McIver, a real estate developer living with his loving wife, is invited by an ex-Mossad agent to an event for a nebulous discussion about a potential terrorist attack. As a devastating attack takes place, framing Declan for it, Declan has to use his wits and training from a dark past to get to the bottom of a conspiracy involving a Senator and the special agent in Charge of FBI’s counterterrorism division at Richmond Field Office, with the potential to cause another extremely devastating attack. The story globetrots to USA, Ireland, UK, and then back as Declan feverishly works to gain the upper hand when all the cards are stacked against him. With fantastic twists and turns that you will not be ready for, the book is electric!

The vast intrigue of conspiracy and fast-paced setting are complimented by visceral shootouts, hand-to-hand combat sequences, and car and bike chases written with visceral and cinematic flavor to keep the reader in the driver’s seat with high stakes as Declan has to constantly deal with assassins who wish to silence him before he can blow open the big conspiracy. I loved the authentic and descriptive tactical and technical details during the action sequences which made the sequences fun and easy to visualize. 

With this being the first novel in the Declan McIver series, I loved the focus on Declan’s character. He is established immediately as grounded and likable, but his development continues to grow as we find out more about his dark and violent past. When it comes to sheer badasses with a strong moral compass and balanced emotions, the author quickly cements Declan McIver as a protagonist to root for and to want more of. As with all characters in the book, there is a sense of realism when it comes to the conversations and interactions of the characters that stems from the talented writing of the author. 

Veil of Civility is a bold action-packed conspiracy thriller that debuts a spectacular protagonist. From start to finish, there isn’t even a single moment of boredom. I particularly loved how the author kept a consistent pace throughout the novel, wrapping up properly but not too abruptly, with a big showdown, an emotional change in Declan’s life, and the hint of a bigger organization at play that has sinister plans for Declan McIver. I cannot wait for more of this series. It is a must-read for hardcore action thriller fans. 

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Threat Vector By Tom Clancy-Mark Greaney

I had been putting Threat Vector off for months because it seemed like such a daunting read at over 700 pages. I chide myself for it now because every single page of this electrifying grand scale adventure is worth the challenge. It’s classic Tom Clancy with the perfect adrenaline boost we’ve come to love from Mark Greaney’s fast-paced writing style. 

The thriller came out in 2012 but if I hadn’t looked it up, I’d be hard pressed to say it didn’t come out any earlier than a year ago based on its prophetic storyline. When members of the Chinese government decide to strengthen the nation’s economy with a high-risk audacious plan involving a systematic attack on America’s cybersecurity before kickstarting a full-blown war with its allies, it’s up to President Jack Ryan and the operatives of The Campus to navigate the tricky waters of global politics and shadowy espionage in order to prevent World War 3. If that’s not dangerous enough, The Campus is in big trouble from a mysterious syndicate that just might be the biggest threat vector (pun-intended) they’ve faced yet.  

Tom Clancy’s famous attention to details and technical knowledge of the weapons systems and equipment plays a heavy and warranted role in setting up an authentic experience to satisfy even the most hardcore of action thriller fans, while steering an epic politics and espionage laden narrative the likes of which are associated with the Clancy name. Adding to Tom Clancy’s firepower is Mark Greaney’s stellar on-location research and the cinematic action vibe that goes hand in hand with Clancy’s technical combat sequences. The major highlights in the action department for me were the aviation sequences, involving F/A-18 Super Hornets in beautifully realistic dogfights that strap you in the cockpit to face the tight and hard-hitting G-force turns.

The combat takes place on land, at sea, in air, and uniquely on a new battlefield; cyberspace. China’s cyber warfare skills are described with spectacular realism that spoke to the computer scientist in me about coding viruses and hacking measures that feel horrifyingly in tune with what I’ve learned in the classrooms. 

If you’ve read the most recent Target Acquired by Don Bentley, you’ll want to go back and take a look at the previous escapades of Jack Ryan Jr., for which Threat Vector is the perfect choice. A finely crafted geopolitical story with wonderfully written fan favorite characters from older Clancy works and a big stepping stone for Jack Ryan Jr. into the superb protagonist we have seen in the latest books of the long running series. Threat Vector is the genius result of two masters of the espionage action thriller genre coming together to churn out brilliant stories of stellar caliber.  

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Pandora's Grave By Stephen England

Pandora’s Grave is the perfect treat for thriller aficionados. Vivid storytelling, cinematic action sequences, grounded and multidimensional heroes and villains, and meticulous authenticity when it comes to cultures and religions; even this does not do enough justice to Stephen England’s epic narrative.

Enter Harry Nichols, a blue-eyed CIA operator with a friendly demeanor that can change in the blink of an eye when facing an enemy combatant. Facing demons of his own from his past along with a hard-hitting betrayal in the story, his character is a darker version of the likes of Mitch Rapp and Scot Harvath, but profoundly unique. He leads his team of just as intriguingly multilayered characters on dangerous missions, specializing in the Middle East. When an archeological dig team comprised of American, Australian, and Israeli members is captured in Iran after unearthing a bubonic plague, Nichols and his team are sent to recover the team where we come to know there is a mole in the team working for a faction of the Iranian government that wants to use the plague against Israelis in an unconventional way. There is no time to catch a breath in the chaos with non-stop action sequences while dealing with a constant whodunnit vibe where the team is constantly trying to sniff out the traitor. 

It’s not every thriller that handles Middle Eastern religions and cultures so respectfully. Stephen England thoughtfully writes characters of differing religions without demeaning one or another. The religious aspect plays an important role to show what drives both the good and the bad guys, mirroring reality and allowing for beautiful locations with religious significance to be used as backdrops for pivotal plot points and action sequences.

The action sequences are incredibly smooth and cinematic in nature, flowing naturally with accurate tactics and weapons in explosive shootouts that are on par with the best in the genre when it comes to being detailed without compromising the fast-paced thrills. 

This is a beautifully dark and violent story, encompassing the trademark elements of an excellent spy action packed thriller but with a deeper insight into the human psyche behind the curtain that makes the narrative profoundly powerful and emotional. The ending is a mind-blowing cliffhanger reveal that only adds more fuel to the raging fire that is, Pandora’s Grave.  One of the finest books ever written.

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The Ghosts Of Belfast By Stuart Neville

The Ghosts of Belfast is an extraordinary crime thriller tinged with dark supernatural elements that fit in beautifully with the nitty gritty world of unrelenting pain that ultimately gives rise to hope. Stuart Neville has crafted a masterclass of writing a protagonist that’s more flawed than most but still makes you want to root for him with all your heart.

Gerry Fegan, a former paramilitary killer in Northern Ireland, spends his days drinking his mind numb as he is tormented by twelve ghosts, all those whom he had wronged and killed. One fateful night, the voices in his head make it clear what they want from him: exacting vengeance on those who had ordered him to commit the atrocities. Armed with a purpose and his deadly skills, Fegan goes to work on his targets, leading him down a path of further darkness and pain before he can see the light, if he can see the light at all.

The Ghosts of Belfast is a story of resounding hope and forgiveness. It’s a narrative that highlights humanity above all else, above all agendas, religions, and politics. Gerry Fegan’s struggle to seek penance for his sins yields wonderful insights and lessons that readers can embody and apply for better living. 

At the same time, this is very much a knuckle-cracking thriller. Stuart Neville keeps the heat blazing as the action comes in burst with brutal combat, crisp shootouts, and nail-biting twists that pretty much cement that you can and should finish this book in one sitting as I did.

If you’re in the mood to read a gritty atmospheric thriller with acts of bloody vengeance, The Ghosts of Belfast is the book for you. 

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Purchase The Ghosts Of Belfast
(Note: most indie bookstores can fulfill an order as quickly as larger retailers. Please consider contacting them for your next purchase.)

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Murder By The Book
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The Poisoned Pen

Veterans Day By Jack Stewart

Veterans Day is unlike any action thriller I have read. It has all the elements of a dark exciting vigilante thriller with a damaged but intriguing protagonist who will remind you of a feral Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, grounded and gritty plot, and well executed action sequences that have a cinematic quality to them. Taking the best characteristics of a captivating dark story, Jack Stewart fuses them with theological elements to create an exciting take on the genre. This is a character-driven action-packed narrative that puts you in the front seat of a broken man’s violent journey to salvation from his inner demons.

The story revolves around Ronan Doyle, a badass Combat Controller who blames himself for a tragedy that leads to the deaths of his teammates in the field. We see Ronan’s fall into despair and darkness as his guilt eats away at him, until he finds purpose when a mysterious voice talks to him in his head. This voice seems to be stronger than simple instinct and propels Ronan into situations to save lives. When the voice pushes Ronan to go to New Orleans, he stumbles across a human trafficking ring, only to realize it is not a chance encounter, but the work of a higher power that is guiding Ronan towards saving lives of those who need saving. Teaming up with a New Orleans Detective Kashm, Ronan is exposed to a whole new world that he didn’t believe existed.  

Along with brutal descriptions of severe guilt taking over Ronan’s life, readers are also treated to fantastic action sequences described in wonderful detail that bring the action to life. Ronan is a bonafide badass with both his fists and his weapons, as he engages his opponents in spectacular display of bone crunching and headbutting violence. Think Jack Reacher, but more violent and feral. That is not to say there aren’t shootouts; Ronan shreds bad guys with his Glock and rifle in fast-paced shootouts that evoke feelings of authenticity with the tactical movements and descriptions of the shootouts. To top this off, there is a WOW sequence involving flaming swords and armor and inhuman entities that is sure to blow you out of your seats!

What I found most intriguing was the unfiltered focus on Ronan’s POV as we resonate with him on his journey from rock bottom to having a sense of purpose. With the challenges he faces, the surprises he comes across, the unfathomable twists and turns, I felt deeply connected to Ronan on his journey with such great character development. Ronan’s personal journey sets up a great platform to introduce a theological component into the story, with the idea of good vs bad taking form not only in humans but also with angels and demons. 

I immensely enjoyed Veterans Day and found it to be a unique take on the thriller genre with the fusion of theology with hardcore thriller that readers of the genre love to get into. The nonlinear story builds the mystique while revealing the necessary developments of the story without detracting from the fast-paced narrative. I am very excited for the next adventures of Ronan and Kashm. Think of a more vicious version of Jack Reacher’s vigilante vibe infused with theological elements of Constantine, and you have Veterans Day! A must-read introduction to Ronan Doyle who will be an instant fan favorite.

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Desperate Pursuit By Kerry Frey

Desperate Pursuit is a strong entertainer with a golden protagonist you’ll be rooting for immediately as he puts everything at stake to save his daughter from a horrible fate. 

Spike Robinson is living the dream life as an Aerospace & Defense executive in Texas when his daughter is diagnosed with a rare blood disease that’s slowly and painfully killing her. Her only hope lies with a scientist who was recently abducted by Russians. With official channels at dead ends, Robinson finds himself allied with a mysterious group of clandestine operatives, the JARIUS group, working outside bureaucracy and red tape to subvert a nefarious plan to kickstart world war 3 with a biological agent.

Kerry Frey strikes a fantastic balance between first person and third person POVs as he switches seamlessly between Robinson-centric narration and the POVs of the antagonists to keep the momentum bursting with energy and unpredictability. The narrative is easy to follow and captures your attention fully from the start. The ingenious biological threat as explored in the book blends reality and fiction for a riveting mix without falling out of touch with the much-appreciated realism of modern thrillers. Spike Robinson blossoms more and more into a relatable character by each chapter, with the strong and raw essence of familial bonds driving him in his quest to save his daughter in the face of prevailing danger. 

Giving Spike Robinson a decorated past as a Navy Corpsman pays off big time as he gets pulled into fast-paced and crisp shootouts, car chases, and hand-to-hand combat sequences with sharp and necessary details to help you visualize the pulse-pounding action with utmost ease. 

Desperate Pursuit packs a lot of potential for future stories to unfold and explore in terms of exciting characters and invigorating plots involving Spike and the JARIUS group working together. Be sure to keep your eyes open for the twists and turns Kerry Frey sends your way in this constantly engaging thriller; you won’t want to miss it.

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