Bullet Train By Kotaro Isaka

Bullet Train is the lovechild of Guy Ritchie’s multiple simultaneous character driven plotlines and Quentin Tarantino’s dark situational humor and gruesome violence. The entire narrative takes place onboard a Japanese bullet train, packing the story and action in one setting for a riveting experience. An ex-assassin boards the train to find a teenager who pushed his son off a roof. An unlucky assassin codenamed Ladybug has to steal a briefcase from a pair of assassins, Tangerine and Lemon, who are transporting the son of a known kingpin. What starts as a seemingly disconnected narrative starts to manifest into a brilliantly woven web of connected characters and motivations as the story progresses, mirroring the best of Guy Ritchie crime thrillers like Snatch, and Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. 

The action is fast and dirty, with the assassins throwing quick jabs, elbows, and kicks at each other without drawing too much attention. This predicament creates hilarious situational humor where the assassins act more hastily and violent than suave and smooth, reminiscent of when things go south in Quentin Tarantino’s movies. One such instance is a fun hand-to-hand combat sequence where the assassins are seated in adjacent seats to attract less attention from the passengers. However, the book is more accurately geared towards mystery fans who appreciate jolting twists and turns that indeed hit like a bullet train. 

The essence of the book are the characters. Each of the assassins are fleshed out thoughtfully with multiple layers of character building. The standout character is the villain, a grim psychopathic teenager who tends to outwit the adults around him and force them to do his bidding. What could have been a laughable aspect of the story turned out to be quite dark as the narrative takes a deep dive into the mind of such a despicable and unsettling character and gives a contemplative insight into his motivations.

Bullet Train is a clever action/mystery thriller that is proof of the vast talent pool of thriller authors on an international scale.

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Assassin's Dawn By Ward Larsen

David Slaton is one of the best literary action heroes with a complex grip on traumatic emotions that drive him to gruesome violence. Assassin’s Dawn gives readers a better insight into his beginnings as a bloodthirsty Mossad assassin on the warpath for all those who had a hand in the murders of his wife and two-year old daughter. 

Taking place before David Slaton found himself in the frigid waters of Atlantic Ocean in Ward Larsen’s debut, Assassin’s Dawn details a much rawer side to him as he focuses solely on becoming the best assassin in order to exact his vengeance. Slaton is on a Mossad operation in Europe to surveil the brother of his family’s killer when the mission goes awry and the Mossad team has to exfiltrate. Not willing to let go of his target’s scent, Slaton hatches a bold and risky plan to land a devastating blow to the terrorist organization and follow through with his promise of vengeance.

Assassin’s Dawn shines with nail-biting tension, fast-paced action and an extremely satisfying and bloody finale. David Slaton was due a killer origin story and Ward Larsen delivers big time with a tremendously entertaining account of the mission that made David Slaton the Perfect Assassin.

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The Bourne Treachery By Brian Freeman

The Bourne Treachery is a superb fast-paced follow-up to the recently rebooted ‘The Bourne Evolution’ which came out last year. Jason Bourne felt more closely aligned with the killer we have come to love from Robert Ludlum’s original awe-inspiring trilogy. The profound twists throughout the story felt reminiscent of Robert Ludlum’s shock-and-awe style of writing and shook the entire narrative to its core. 

Jason Bourne goes after a notorious and enigmatic terrorist known to the intelligence community only as Lennon. With a penchant for John Lennon’s music along with twisted lust for violence, brainwashing, and staying anonymous, he proves to be just as great of a threat as Carlos The Jackal from Bourne’s past, if not greater. As Bourne fights his way out of sticky situations, he can’t shake the feeling Lennon is someone from his amnesia-stricken past. From the first chapter itself, there is a big showdown in the making with two lethal killers trying to outfox each other and share a past that Bourne may not remember until it is too late. 

The non-stop action is a mix of deathly fisticuffs and shootouts which continue to demonstrate Bourne’s badassery in high spirits from the Ludlum books. I did find the lack of descriptions for weapons to be a little out of character for Jason Bourne stories. Weapons help develop an action-icon just as much as any other personality trait. The nomenclature and descriptions of weapons also allow for a more realistic visualization of action sequences, an aspect the next Jason Bourne action thriller can immensely benefit from.

I loved that the story developed smoothly over the narrative, tying up the necessary events but leaving the larger mystery for the next book. Even decades later, Jason Bourne continues to be a must-read action-icon thanks to a much-needed rejuvenation by Brian Freeman. A wisdom nugget: read the last chapter while listening to Extreme Ways by Moby. You’re welcome!

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Traitors By Alex Shaw

Traitors is an undeniable summer blockbuster fueled by cinematic action sequences of the highest caliber and a badass female protagonist making her debut in stunningly brutal fashion. 

Alex Shaw is no stranger to writing gripping action-packed thrillers but Traitors may very well be his best work yet. A highly skilled assassin in a black ops French unit known as The Department, Sophie Racine receives a dossier to hunt down and assassinate a former French Legion who turned out to be a Russian sleeper agent. Racine enthusiastically undertakes the mission, driven by a scalding rage for her target with whom she has a personal score to settle. From the first page itself, Racine establishes herself as a bona fide expert in combat with pulse-pounding shootouts and hand-to-hand combat sequences that feel ripe for a big screen adaptation. As Racine races from France to a full-blown warzone in Ukraine where the Russian sleeper agent was located, she cannot help but wonder whether she is the hunter or the hunted as her foreboding sixth sense warns her of the dangers to come. 

From the moment she lands in Ukraine, she gets to work racking up her kill count relentlessly. Keeping that in mind, Alex Shaw does not portray Racine as indestructible. She bleeds and tires just as any operative would but her specialist skills, emotional strength, and tenacity differentiate her from the enemy combatants as she shoots first and true without succumbing to fear and chaos around her. The flashbacks served an essential role to help readers understand her hardened exterior that holds in a barrage of angry and bitter emotions waiting to overtake her. Alex Shaw nails the delicate art of writing a strong and bold female protagonist without sexualizing her to the point where her looks seem more essential than her skills in the field. 

On her mission, she comes across Aiden Snow, an ex-SAS operative who Alex Shaw’s fans will know very well. His directive is to rescue a British student who was abducted in a hate crime based on his ethnicity as a Pakistani. As their paths intertwine, Racine and Snow make an excellent duo with the right chemistry that is not rushed in a setting where the bullets flying around them are more pressing matters. Snow adds to the magnificent shootouts with his technical prowess with all sorts of weapons. And together they wreak havoc on the bad guys in the most enjoyable way.

Traitors is an absolute must-read powerhouse smash-hit and one of 2021’s very best. You simply cannot afford to sit this one out. The shocking twists-filled ending will have you desperate for the next Sophie Racine thriller!

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Black Ice By Brad Thor

Black Ice is one of Brad Thor’s finest thrillers, pumping fresh blood into the series with an ingeniously contemporary plot and huge character developments to materialize over the next few books. Scot Harvath is better than ever this time around. As Harvath vacations in Norway with his new girlfriend Sølvi, he comes across a man whom he was sure was dead. With a burning curiosity to get to the bottom of the unbelievable occurrence, Harvath pursues the suspect, only to get embroiled in a murky association forged between Russia and China over a dangerous piece of technology which may spell doom for America. An intriguing modernization of the Cold War.

Brad Thor brilliantly builds up the narrative with an anticipatory energy, revealing just a hint of what is to come without giving away the full picture. His smooth prose gently guides the reader through the events in the story without jumping around haphazardly. 

Black Ice is not an action-packed thriller for good reason as it invests more time on the sleuthing and espionage tradecraft elements which emphasize the need for discretionary measures to achieve goals over a brute guns-blazing approach. That being said, the shootouts are written superbly well with the accurate technical details. It is delightful to read Harvath exploring a previously dormant dark side to him with in-combat interrogation techniques that turn out to be highly effective due to the dark nature of the threats Harvath promises to go through with.

With huge developments for Harvath and Solvi’s relationship that signify Harvath’s personal character growth from Backlash and Near Dark, Black Ice balances both the thrills and the emotions, culminating in a deeply satisfying resolution while promising lots more of Harvath in the foreseeable future.

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Razorblade Tears By S.A. Cosby

Razorblade Tears is a rare gem of a thriller that packs equal heart and punch in a very relevant story for today’s social climate. S.A Cosby is admired for his ultra-realistic narratives with lifelike characters and dark situations that are just grim enough to be happening in our world as we read his books. Highlighting the social injustice faced by the LGBTQA community along with the racism felt among the black community, the story hits hard and true without pulling any punches. 

The narrative puts two fathers on a mission of vengeance when their sons are murdered. The police investigation yields no concrete leads and the trail leads cold. With a heavy heart full of guilt for both fathers who had shunned their sons for being gay, they vow to use their violent histories for good this one time and seek out their sons’ killer. Through the characters, one father being black and one white, S.A Cosby brilliantly highlights the social differences due to race. There is a strong bond between the two leads as I would liken to a good old fashioned cop buddy duo, starting off rocky but eventually finding a sure footing with great laughs and emotional bonding along the way. Even for readers without children, the mournful grief and regret the fathers feel for their kids flow out of the pages for a total immersive reading experience.

As the fathers look for their sons’ killer, they leave a trail of bloody corpses and bullet holes with fast-paced shootouts and vicious fisticuffs along with some very creative uses of machetes and tampers. Keeping true to the gritty and grounded feel of the story, the action is hard-hitting, and sweet and simple where the only rule is to punch first and punch hard.

The heart of the story lies with the characters. The character developments are spectacular and speak to all readers in an encouraging voice to be the best versions of themselves. It is a thriller but it is so much more than that. It has been a while since a story had me misty-eyed at the end, but there is a reason this book is called Razorblade Tears. Hours blurred together as the pages kept flying until the final page and I could not help but stay stunned for a good few minutes. Transcending genres, this is a mind-blowing book that simply must be read by all.

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Falling By T.J. Newman

Falling is a prime example of writing a nail-biting thriller without the shootouts and car chases mostly found in the best of the genre. Instead, readers are treated to an intense situation 35,000 feet in the air onboard a plane piloted by a man who has to choose between saving his family and saving the souls on board his aircraft. T.J. Newman spins a captivating yarn full of deeply grounded characters standing up to challenging dilemmas no reader would ever want to face. It isn’t often you see a debut novel written with such finesse as Falling.

One of my quicker reads, I finished Falling in two days. The story moves at a breakneck pace without faltering or dragging. There is always something happening that pushes the story forward. The driving forces of the narrative are the highly relatable characters. Each character feels like someone you may cross paths with without even realizing. It is only when the going gets tough and the situation takes a nosedive (pun-intended) that the characters are tested and their true natures revealed in displays of unflinching bravery ( or betrayal for some ). Even the antagonists are painted in a shade of gray rather than a simple ‘evil’ label. I felt for the bad guys just as I did for the good ones when Newman aptly highlights their painful desperation. This is the brilliance of Falling. Flashbacks and powerful dialogue are brilliantly used to convey the gravity of the hostile situation, always keeping readers on their toes to be prepared for anything to happen, much like how the characters in the story feel. 

I am glad I read Falling safely on ground and not in the air because I would have been a nervous wreck for the entire flight. Void of cliché agendas for bad guys and highly elaborate conspiracy stories, Falling opts for a character-driven escapade with a personal message for all readers in a race-against-time setting to drive home the gut-wrenching stakes of the narrative. It is only a matter of time before we see a big screen adaptation of this exquisite debut, so be sure to read it ASAP!

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Sleeping Bear By Connor Sullivan

Sleeping Bear surprises with its gripping and unpredictable storyline involving highly-relatable and despicable characters. It’s an excellent debut novel, with huge potential for more stories.

The thriller revolves around the eerie abductions of campers in Alaska, including Cassie Gale, an Army Veteran and graduate of Ranger School. Her father, sister, and brother-in-law set out to find her. Cassie’s abduction ties into a cold-war Russian experiment to mold warriors into feeling no remorse at the prospect of killing and her father’s mysterious past with Vladmir Putin’s mentor. The elements of espionage, sleuthing and nail-biting tension make this a nerve-wracking experience in a great way!

Sleeping Bear’s characters evoke emotions from sympathy to disgust. Cassie Gale is a badass with brains, brawn and a tragic backstory. With her father, you sense there’s more than what meets the eye and Sullivan’s depiction of his agony as he searches for his daughter resonates. Same goes for her sister and brother-in-law: invoking a strong sense of empathy for the family.  The opposite is true for the antagonists, as readers will dread them for their despicable and hauntingly-violent acts towards innocents. This creates a compelling juxtaposition, and a desperation for justice to be carried out.

The book is not too heavy on action, but the short and visceral action sequences include authentic weaponry details and crafty spy tools that feel straight out of the Mission Impossible movies. Sullivan mainly focuses on the cerebral components of the story, as the Gale family tries to save Cassie. 

With a cold-war linked narrative that includes unethical-human experiments, relatable heroes, despicable villains and great twists, Sleeping Bear is a remarkable debut and an absolute must-read. It’s absolutely a book worth losing a night’s sleep over.  I should know, since I stayed up all night to finish it!  

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Shadow Masters By J.T. Patten

Right off the bat, Shadow Masters is a dark and visceral story that requires you to take a deep cleansing hot shower afterwards to rid yourself of the flashing images of the worst of the humanity. If you think his Drake Woolf stories were dark, you’re in for a lesson. JT Patten takes you deep in the heart of the ugly, less glamorous side of espionage with fast-paced action, gut-wrenching scenes that may haunt you for a while, and highly realistic and flawed characters even when it comes to the protagonist. 

Sean Havens is off on a contracting mission in a third world country when his family is harmed by an unknown organization disguising itself as an ordinary criminal gang to throw off its scent for the investigating authorities. The story continues to push Havens in purgatory until he decides to take the law in his own hands and seek those who harmed his family. The nefarious organization behind it has big plans for Havens and if he wants to survive, he must outwit enemies who he may not even want to believe are his enemies. 

As a big fan of JT Patten’s Drake Woolf series, I knew I was in for a treat. The storytelling is meticulously detailed with pertinent information and subtle foreshadowing to keep the story pumping at full steam and the readers guessing furiously as to what can happen next, only to be amazed when the twists hit like a freight train. JT Patten’s expertise in the dark arts of espionage pays dividends in Sean Havens’ character development as a riveting operative trained expertly in both intel and kinetic operations that mirror real-world headlines. The bad guys are despicable and utterly evil, and you’ll cheer for Havens to exact his revenge in the most brutal fashion, which he most certainly will. The blood spatters right out of the pages.

The action hits fast and hard with vivid descriptions of hand-to-hand combat and fast-paced shootouts written with the principle of shoot first and shoot well. I wouldn’t want to mess with Sean Havens in any way whatsoever. The action serves not just to get the heart rates rising but also to showcase the pragmatic brutal environment of combat where decisions are made in a split second. You will shudder at some of the decisions Havens makes in the heat of combat.

Shadow Masters easily rattled my top thriller list long before I reached the last page. Espionage, action, drama; it adroitly balances all aspects of a profoundly captivating thriller. The ending jarred me because I was not expecting that cliffhanger! A thriller fan has not truly explored the genre if they haven’t read JT Patten.

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The Impostor By David Temple

The Impostor is an intense and bone-chilling narrative pitting a deranged serial killer against a determined detective who will spare no expense at catching the one who got away from her. Both sides try to outwit each other with matching fervor and grit to come out on the top. Will the detective catch the killer first or will the killer escape through her grasp one last time?

The opening chapter kicks off with a dark theme that chilled my bones, a feeling akin to when I watched Silence of the Lambs for the first time. Detective Pat Norelli is recuperating after a close call with a serial killer, colloquially known as The Poser, who had been operating in the Beverly Hills as a psychiatrist. In the events of the previous book, The Poser had fled before he could be arrested. Almost a year to that date, the showdown begins one last time where Norelli is motivated to bring The Poser down once and for all. The narrative gets darker as The Poser’s twisted attraction to Norelli is explored and its consequences as she goes on an international manhunt with a few allies. The first half is perhaps the strongest as the second half feels a bit uneven as multiple traps are set for The Poser but are half-heartedly dismissed in execution by Norelli herself. The good grace for The Poser’s evasion seems a bit undercooked but may make sense after a long thought. 

Even with an uneven second half, The Impostor is highly enjoyable due to its dark tone and a fulfilling resolution that ties up loose ends wonderfully. A great pick for fans of grim psychologically haunting stories.

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Stealth Attack By John Gilstrap

Stealth Attack is an exciting tale of brutal retribution packed with crisp action and a scary time crunch for the protagonists who have to utilize their espionage expertise to rescue two kids from being executed by cartel members. John Gilstrap launches the action almost immediately, wasting no time in setting up an intriguing chain of events that unravel smoothly and naturally. 

Even though this was my first Jonathan Grave thriller, the characters were developed with the right combination of intrigue and background that made it very easy to resonate with the personal stakes of the narrative. Grave and his team have a great dynamic with witty banters as well as heated arguments on the morality of actions in the heat of combat. The cartel members earn the title of proper villains with their inhumane violent and unpredictable actions that lend gravitas to the frightening predicament of the kidnapped youngsters. 

The crisp and authentically detailed action sequences power on at rocket-fast pace, keeping the readers hooked in for the well-placed headshots and body shots where necessary. The narrative is not extensively packed with action, but it is wisely utilized when the situation calls for violence against evil. 

Balancing a captivating story with exciting characters, Stealth Attack is a no-brainer choice for those seeking an easy read with a simple story and gritty action.

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Cthulhu Reloaded By David Conyers

Cthulhu Reloaded is one of the weirdest thrillers you will ever read. A mind-bending, time-traveling, non-linear, action-packed narrative combining elements of Cthulhu science fiction stories with those of espionage action. It may not be the most obvious pick for traditional thriller fans, but it is definitely worth branching out to. 

Major Harrison Peel of Australian Intelligence Agency thinks he has seen it all until he discovers the existence of sentient alien life on Earth. The narrative wastes no time in going full Christopher Nolan as multiple closely-linked plotlines happen simultaneously, sometimes in not so obvious ways and in different timelines as to require the full attention of the reader. The story packs quite a few scares particularly with horrifying descriptions of aliens that consume humans in haunting fashion. David Conyers takes a step forward in experimenting with the Cthulhu genre by interjecting spycraft in the narrative as the leading characters find themselves embroiled in conspiracies concocted by various -states-sponsored actors to acquire alien technology. The aliens themselves play into the espionage narrative in a rather interesting way which can only make sense once you read it for yourself.

Actions fans need not worry, there are copious amounts of grand action sequences where humans battle each other as well as the aliens with a fusillade of high caliber bullets. The shootouts are written with a keen eye for authentic weapons and tactics to catch the eyes of action aficionados. 

For thriller fans trying to expand their horizons with new genres, Cthulhu Reloaded is a brilliant choice.

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Shadow Target By David Ricciardi

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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The Tipping Point By David Darling

The Tipping Point is a splendid suspenseful thriller fueled by a dark mystery and excellent twists to keep readers locked on. 

The story debuts Sergeant Noah Hunter of the Arrow Point Police Department whose investigations of grisly murders in his city paints a target on his back and those he loves. David Darling does a great job of keeping the suspense high with smart misdirection to keep the readers from grasping the twists too early. The small-town vibe coupled with the hair-raising details of crime scenes in the narrative invoke the gritty feeling of reading a scary story at 3 in the morning. Of course, it helps that the protagonist is a strong lead.

Noah Hunter is instantly likable, and his development persists throughout the story, paved by both positive and tragic experiences which make him relatable. Coupling his army experiences with his police investigative training, he is both the brains and the brawns depending on what the situation calls for. 

I could see this adapted into a fun movie down the line. The Tipping Point branches out to different subgenres thriller to cater to different kinds of readers and to keep building the momentum,starting off with an aura of dark crime mystery, delving into organized crime, and finally finishing with an exciting shootout with Glocks, Remingtons, and AR-15s. I am very excited for the next Noah Hunter book and I hope I don’t have to wait too long.

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Target Acquired By Don Bentley

Target Acquired immediately captures your attention with stunning characters, an unconvoluted and elegant storyline, amazing action sequences, and an aura of intrigue that sets in from the very first chapter. Don Bentley introduces his badass rendition of Jack Ryan Jr. while sticking true to the character development seen in the previous books.

Jack Ryan Jr. is in Tel Aviv on a simple mission when he comes across a Chinese assassin trying to kill a mother and her child. Spinning quickly into action, he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of catch-up with American, Chinese, and Russian forces amongst others along with the cunning commander of Iranian Quds Force who has a few aces up his sleeves up to no good. There is no shortage of vicious action sequences that are sure to make you wince. Don Bentley’s highly regarded proclivity for striking a  wonderful balance between realistic and grand action sequences pays off as Ryan Jr. takes quite a beating but also dishes out vengeful punishment of his own whether with his own fists or with lead in gritty sequences of pure awesomeness. I really enjoyed reading Ryan Jr. trapped in a situation with little to no support and having to navigate through some unsavory parts of the world relying on his skills as a Campus operative. The setting provided a great opportunity for Ryan Jr.’s character development out of his father’s shadow and into his own persona. 

On a side note, there is an excellent aerial sequence with F-35 fighter jets described with a panache so much so that I could picture the G-Forces attacking the pilots maneuvering the jets at high speeds on an interception plot. I loved it and I am sure readers will be enthralled by it. 

Without spoiling too much, I’ll say that Target Acquired is an excellent continuation of Jack Ryan Jr., keeping the iconic franchise kicking with superb action and highly likable characters in a fast-paced setting. There isn’t a single dull moment throughout the story. Don’t worry if you haven’t read all the previous Jack Ryan Jr. novels because Don Bentley ensures the readers can quickly catch up with utmost ease. Read it ASAP!

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Sons Of Valor By Andrews & Wilson

Sons of Valor is an excellent beginning of a new spectacular, action-packed, twists-filled, fast-paced, well thought-out series. I was on the search for a phenomenal action-heavy and smart read when I came across Sons of Valor. Knowing the excellent work of the authors on the Tier One series, I knew it would be WOW good. I just didn’t know it would be “WOW!!!” good.

Sons of Valor centers on Lieutenant Keith “Chunk” Redman, a fan favorite recurring badass in the Tier One series who assists Team Ember from time to time in their clandestine missions. Based on his stellar success record, Chunk is given command of the new Tier One element, rising from the ashes of Operation Crusader, in which the previous Tier One element was ambushed and murdered. Chunk picks a handful of his superb teammates from his SEAL team on this endeavor, enlisting intelligence assets to ensure there are no intelligence hiccups, like the one that led to Operation Crusader faux-pas. Chunk’s leadership skills are put to the test when a mysterious splinter group of Al Qaeda, known as Al Qadr, recruit a British Aero employee, whose family was killed in a drone strike in Afghanistan. With a sinister build up to the main threat of the group involving the use of a completely terrorist-controlled drone with the ability to be controlled by multiple pilots, the new Tier One operators have their hands full with their first mission.

While I enjoyed Chunk in the Tier One books, I was not sure he would be able to carry his own series. The dynamic duo of the authors proved me wrong in spectacular fashion. Chunk’s character is thoughtfully developed and displayed in a relatable manner that allowed me to immediately connect with him as the main protagonist of the story. There is a dark mystery to his persona that is hinted and saved for future stories to explore. Each character in the book feels like a personification of a real person, relatable in motivations and agendas. The kicker is that the authors brilliantly keep the genre fresh from falling into the cliches of simple good vs bad by writing multi layered characters, even the antagonists and the terrorists, who seem to have agendas rooted in reality born of hardships and bad luck that shape their paths.

An Andrews and Wilson book is not without groundbreaking action. Sons of Valor is no exception. This narrative is packed with realistic firefights that are complimented by authentic and detailed weaponry to help readers visualize the adrenaline pumping sequences in their full glory and terror. The action sequences are fast-paced and character oriented, fully immersing the readers in the action, with every weapon sight, caliber, trigger pull, recoil, working their way into the readers’ visualizations like a 4D experience. Top-notch action!

The plot was a major plus point in my eyes. While the plot features Islamist extremists as the bad guys as done so in majority of the action thrillers, this plot delves deeper into the psyche of war and perversion of nature based on horrible circumstances that start an ordinary decent man on the long but ultimately violent path of retribution. At the same time, we see the Tier One element as the necessary intervention to evil, using violence against a few as means to deter violence against thousands more. It’s a thought-provoking concept, in line with the intellectually stimulating narrative that plays on the gray moral edges of the brain instead of pure evil vs pure good.

Despite being a spin off of the Tier One series, Sons of Valor stands firm on its own (team-ups would be fantastic though). The chain of events felt smartly connected that further augmented the reading experience for me. Coincidence was taken over by brilliance on both, good and bad, sides of the equation. The characters were well-developed and relatable. The action sequences are excellent. Sons of Valor, so far, is the best action thriller I have read for 2021. The ending is not a simple killed-and-gone one, but rather a set-up for something bigger in the works, much like how Tier One’s story was not culminated in one book, but rather over multiple books. I look forward to more to come in this series, and Chunk is THE leader for the Tier One of a new era.

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The Spy Devils By Joe Goldberg

The Spy Devils is a refreshing change of storytelling in the spy action genre with creative action sequences, dark humor, and witty good guys and gals who go to rather extreme antics in their missions of battling the worst mankind has to offer. The smart and slick narrative gets better by the page, and it makes you wonder if truth really is stranger than fiction when you remember that the foreword mentions the story is based on true events.

The Spy Devils are a lethal ragtag group of former spies who put their skills to use against exposing nefarious criminal and meddling espionage organizations. This idea is executed brilliantly by Joe Goldberg who balances both the gritty and violent nature of the business with the satirical and darkly humorous nature of The Spy Devils to create a fun environment that is not found in many thrillers today. The team, even as a force of good, feels more of an anti-heroic team as it battles fire with fire.  There are moments where if not for the complete context, you’d think The Spy Devils were the antagonists with the way they interrogate the bad guys like it’s just another day at the office. It’s beautiful.  

The action sequences are some of the more brutal, vicious, and stylish I have read in the genre, with authentically detailed weaponry in shootouts and hand-to-hand combat sequences. The Spy Devils use high-tech gadgets in addition to the conventional weaponry, particularly the ‘Stick’; a telescoping baton, that also acts as a taser and an aerosol dispenser of toxins, and augmented mini-drones nicknamed ‘Devilbots’ that are capable of shooting 9mm bullets accurately over a decent range in addition to being pretty hand for recess. The creative technology utilized in The Spy Devils feels right at home in a Mission Impossible movie crossed with The Expendables-styled shootouts and knife fights.

The story itself is a big deviation from the usual Middle-Eastern themed narratives, instead focusing on grayer than gray shadowy personal vendettas in a corporate espionage setting that is tied expertly to foreign states and dangerous criminals. There is an aura of mistrust in every page, keeping readers guessing wildly as to who to believe all the way to the ending. Gripping subplots are woven seamlessly to work their way simultaneously to the climax where the bigger picture hits you in the face and you can’t help but be impressed.

If I could sum up the vibe of the book, I’d ask you to imagine the talents behind The Expendables movies, The Mission Impossible movies, and Archer TV series all joining together for one grand witty spy action thriller that is The Spy Devils!

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Warshot By Don Keith And George Wallace

Warshot is a superb choice if you’re in the mood to read some tense naval standoffs with a pinch of old-school treasure hunt. The narrative focuses on altercations between US and Chinese naval forces as China tries to extend its grasp on an island beneath which lies unexplored gold in abundance. Facing the threat of upsetting the world economy, US steps in to protect its interests. The matter quickly escalates to stressful situations where warring submarines are pitted against each other in descriptive sequences of naval combat that vividly highlight the somber yet energetic mood of the submariners as they try to sink their opponent as quickly as possible while aggressively evading incoming torpedoes. I loved the realistic details presented of the inner workings of the submarines from the commands to the equipment without becoming too complex for a layman. Reading the skippers shout commands to dive down from periscope depth took me back to the days of watching The Hunt for The Red October and Crimson Tide. The narrative moves a little slow at first to set up the necessary characters, but once the first torpedo is launched, the action sets off relentlessly underwater and on land as well. The writing puts an emphasis on the communication breakdown between naval officers having to commit to a course of action, and bureaucracy underestimating the need for swift movements. The story fills you with an immense sense of gratitude for sailors who undertake the daunting endeavor of wading into battle in a confined medium in the dark depths of the vast oceans where anything can happen. This is a story you’ll want to kick back to and enjoy on a sunny weekend by the beach. Mirroring the recent geopolitical situations and blending them with an adventurous plot, Warshot is definitely recommended for readers seeking an underwater escapade.

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A Hostile State By Adrian Magson

There is no such thing as too many great spy action thrillers. I am constantly searching for unexplored territory of well-written action espionage thrillers, and that search led me to A Hostile State by Adrian Magson. As soon as I flipped to the first page, I knew I would love it when the very first chapter hooked me in with the protagonist, Marc Portman code-named Watchman, maneuvering under sniper fire while equipped with a Kahr semi-automatic pistol. The action takes off without wasting momentum and the plot fires away with the high-octane action. 

Without giving away too much, A Hostile State puts Marc Portman, a contractor for the CIA, under the spotlight where his cover is blown by a secretive Russian group that aims to take revenge against its recent espionage failures by putting a bullseye on Portman who happens to be one of the most effective CIA assets. Then begins a long trail of blood and bullets with Portman chased from Lebanon to Paris by assassins who will stop at nothing to kill Portman. The plot thickens when the pattern can only be accredited to a leak in the CIA that is feeding Portman’s location to the assassins. The fast-paced and nail-biting aura of the narrative where Portman is constantly surveilled and targeted by killers, aided by a few friendlies, makes for an extremely compelling and energetic read. This sets up a fantastic stage for Marc Portman to show why he truly should be feared by his adversaries, as he parries and counters the assassins sent after him in brutal hand-to-hand combat and explosive shootouts. 

With such a propelling story, it needs to have breakneck action sequences, and the author delivers on this promise. There is absolutely no shortage of bullets and gunfire as Marc showcases his lethal talents with pistols, rifles, and even a crossbow on a globetrotting hunting ground. With accurate weapons descriptions in the sequences detailing Marc’s tactical acumen, the reading experience is everything an action thriller fan could ask for. Even without a weapon, Marc puts his fists to good use with detailed descriptions of hand-to-hand combat with a focus on practicality and speed. 

With A Hostile State being the 5th novel in the Marc Portman series, I was surprised by the ease of which I slipped into the narrative. The right amount of backstory is provided for readers to get into this book and enjoy it immensely. The characters are developed over the narrative with grounded personalities and foundations that made it easy to visualize and resonate with them fairly quickly, especially Marc Portman. While his profession is utterly violent, he comes across as the kind of guy you would root for without any hesitation. A straight shooter who will get the job done while exhibiting a strong moral compass. I immediately gelled with Marc Portman and his down-to-earth but intriguing personality, cultivated to preserve his anonymity. The strong focus on his POV as a first person POV, only shifting to a handful of other characters to progress the parallel storyline of the CIA leak, was done superbly to kept the momentum rolling. There was always something happening in the narrative that was extremely vital to the bigger picture. 

Even before I had finished this thriller, I knew I was going to read the previous Marc Portman books. With such crisp and captivating writing, intriguing characters, fantastic action, and authentic narrative, I am sold on A Hostile State being a must-read for action thriller fans who are on the search for a new exciting thriller series to dive into. It is no piece of cake to allow readers to jump in headfirst in the latest thriller in a series without having read the previous books, but Adrian Magson pulls it off!

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Bone Rattle By Marc Cameron

Bone Rattle is a captivating and gritty crime thriller that puts seasoned Deputy Marshal Arliss Cutter hot on the trail of murderers and corrupt politicians in the heart of Alaska. 

Arliss Cutter is brought to the city of Juneau to assist with marshaling criminals tied to a sinister businessman with an inclination towards violence. There is more than meets the eye and Cutter is pitted against killers who are looking to silence a witness who can blow the whistle on a huge conspiracy built on the dead and the wronged. It is up to Cutter to find the truth and save the witness, easier said than done with all the mind-boggling plot twists.

Bone Rattle balances sleuthing and action in the delicate fashion of keeping a realistic tone. The majority of the narrative focuses on investigative deductions of Cutter until the climax where Cutter and a friend are caught in a guns-blazing shootout without proper cover whilst only utilizing a Colt Python and a Glock. It’s an excellent action sequence that is augmented by Marc Cameron’s descriptive environments of the rocks and gravel in the cavernous hills and mines.

Arliss Cutter continues to be a delight to read as a no-nonsense Marshall who tracks his prey without fail and renders justice. Marc Cameron continues to develop Cutter as a complex personality, displaying his ferocity in dealing with his antagonists as well as his warmth when it comes to his family. His thoughts and actions resonate with readers not only when he stands up to bullies and murderers, but also when he struggles to deal with his inner turmoil, especially when it comes to his sister-in-law.

Cameron’s Arliss Cutter books are written with emphatic visuals of the environments to portray the cold and gloomy feelings of crime scenes and isolated locales in Alaska. The heavy environmental descriptions only serve to personify the locations as living breathing personalities, and immerse the readers further into the the trade and tricks of tracking prey as Cutter tracks his. 

Bone Rattle continues the charm of the Arliss Cutter books with the confident protagonist, devilish antagonists, chilly descriptions of Alaska, and well-executed action at the opportune moments. The book ends with an eerie cliffhanger that I hope brings an even darker chapter for Cutter next time. Bone Rattle is a superb blend of intellectual stimulation and adrenaline-pumping action.

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