In some books, the action starts after the prologue. Some, chapter one. Some, a paragraph. In Shadow Target, the action started the first sentence. I can’t recall the last thriller I read that started with this much force and action. I was sucked in immediately, and this book took me along for quite a ride.
In 2014, we were introduced to Jake Keller, the protagonist. I immediately fell in love with this series with book one. In Shadow Target, Keller is immediately on defense, fighting for his life. With CIA paramilitary officers dying at an alarming rate, Keller starts asking questions, and some people don’t like that. With a whole band of badass bad guys, Keller is fighting an uphill battle. What I love about Keller is that he feels like an ordinary man being put in extraordinary situations.
We see Keller develop a lot in this book; more than any of the former books. Because of this, in between chapters chalked full of action, there are chapters that are primarily dialogue between characters. This helps move the story forward and gives you insight into the characters, but with how intense the book started, I found myself missing the action during these, more dialogue heavy, chapters.
I also need to mention that, as this is the fourth book in the series, it should probably be read that way. Although this book can stand on its own, I think readers will have lots of question, and it may leave them scratching their heads during certain parts. That being said, I highly recommend checking out the first three novels in this series. They’re all fantastic
This book was a thriller fan’s dream. I’m not sure what the proper formula for a thriller is, but if it’s ((action + dynamic characters) * magnificent story), you get Shadow Target.
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Purchase Shadow Target
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Barrington Books
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Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen
