A Better World By Sarah Langan

Just in time for beach weather, A Better World brings the reader a terrifying view into the future as big corporations use their elite situation in society to develop sanctums in a failing society for those chosen. This fascinating yet intense thriller is filled with intrigue, action, and fantastic storytelling by Sarah Langan. A Better World may not be what it appears to be.

In A Better World, Linda Farmer is grateful that her husband has gained an opportunity to move to Plymouth Valley, a corporate town that interviews and selects its inhabitants but offers an improved life for her family. Her family leaves a dangerously destabilizing New York and heads to PV but immediately feels unease by the strange behavior of the citizens there. Her new neighbors in PV are all aiming for a “golden ticket” to stay in the clean air and free homes and food in this monoclastic town that leaves offerings for the Hollow. But Linda and her family realize that they must get out … if they can.

Langan has delivered with this superb, nail-biting thriller that you won’t be able to put down. You will feel the stressful, uncomfortableness of Linda, her husband, and her twins as they seek acceptance within this community until they realize that it may not be their family that is the problem. Your emotions will be tugged as you pull for Linda as she continually struggles in the situations that she finds herself in until she and her family find themselves in a race for their life to extricate themselves from this nightmare that is the farthest things from a better world!

A Better World will be one of your favorite reads this summer!

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Assassin's Edge By Ward Larsen

Ward Larsen’s Assassin’s Edge, the 8th installment in the David Slaton series, continues to deliver the high-octane thrills and intricate plots that fans have come to expect. This novel showcases Larsen’s exceptional talent for crafting gripping, high-stakes spy novels. David Slaton, the protagonist, is as compelling as ever, navigating a world filled with danger and intrigue. In Assassin’s Edge, Slaton faces new challenges that test his skills and resolve, further deepening his character and making him even more relatable. Larsen’s ability to create realistic and relatable characters adds depth to the story, making readers genuinely care about their fates.

Much like the latest real-world concern thrillers, Larsen frightens us with technical weapons that could change the global landscape. The novel is intricately woven, with Larsen masterfully balancing intense action sequences and detailed technical descriptions. This aspect of the story not only entertains but also provokes thought, making readers ponder the real-world implications of the fictional events

Larsen’s writing style is engaging and fast-paced, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. His meticulous attention to detail and thorough research is evident throughout the novel, adding authenticity to the narrative.

Overall, Assassin’s Edge is a must-read for fans of the thriller genre. Whether you’re a long-time follower of David Slaton’s adventures (like I am) or new to Larsen’s work, this book is impossible to put down.

Look forward to the next in David Slaton series, Dark Vector, which should come out in early 2025.

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Four Minutes By Andrews & Wilson

What if you could glimpse the future, but only for four minutes? In Four Minutes, Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson explore this tantalizing premise with explosive results. The book opens with a bang, introducing Tyler Brooks, a US Navy SEAL who quickly becomes the leader of a specialized group that time travels on reconnaissance missions. The catch? Trips to the future are limited to only four minutes. Unlike typical thrillers, ‘Four Minutes’ combines the relentless pace of a military action novel with the mind-bending possibilities of time travel, creating a unique and exhilarating experience. Tyler Brooks isn’t just a fearless leader; he’s a man grappling with the weight of his responsibilities and the moral complexities of time travel. His team, each member vividly brought to life, faces their own personal battles, making their collective journey even more compelling.

As a fan of military thrillers, I found myself on the edge of my seat, heart pounding, as Tyler and his team navigated each perilous mission. The emotional depth of the characters made their victories and losses feel personal. Unfortunately, their reconnaissance missions quickly become kinetic, and Tyler and his team find themselves fighting with another mysterious group that continually blocks the path of their missions and threatens the United States with a nuclear bomb.

From the first explosive scene to the nail-biting cliffhanger, Four Minutes is a relentless rollercoaster of action and suspense. Andrews and Wilson masterfully blend high-stakes military operations with the tantalizing possibilities of time travel. The cliffhanger ending left me eagerly anticipating the sequel. Andrews and Wilson have crafted a world so immersive and a plot so gripping that I can’t wait to see where they take us next!

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Louisiana Hydra By Gregory Ryman

Imagine a world where cutting-edge technology intertwines with classic spycraft, where a seemingly random assassination in broad daylight unravels a conspiracy reaching the highest levels of power. Gregory Ryman's Louisiana Hydra plunges you headfirst into this thrilling reality, seamlessly blending the grit of old-school espionage with the sleek, digital landscape of modern threats. With a jolt right from the first page, Ryman introduces CIA tech wizard William Stinson, a legend operating in the shadows, and the sharp-witted international consultant Stephanie Borden. This unlikely pair is thrown together when they witness the shocking murder of a US Senator, and forced together by circumstance, they forge an unexpected alliance built on necessity and a growing trust. The unique twists and turns throughout this exciting novel relentlessly drive the reader to eagerly turn the next page.

The incorporation of cutting-edge cyber warfare tactics into William Stinson's character feels both ripped from the headlines and thrillingly imaginative, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the high-stakes ride. Stephanie Borden proves to be equally captivating, a consultant with a sharp intellect and a hidden resilience that hints at a fascinating backstory. Their unexpected alliance becomes the catalyst for uncovering a conspiracy that stretches far beyond the initial shocking event. The engaging banter and evolving friendship between Stinson and Borden, as they navigate both physical and digital realms, create a truly captivating dynamic that leaves you wanting more of their intricate world.

Louisiana Hydra is more than just an enjoyable read; it's a confident and exciting debut that showcases Ryman's strong grasp of the genre and his ability to craft compelling characters and intricate plots. If Louisiana Hydra is any indication, thriller enthusiasts will find a fresh and exciting voice in Gregory Ryman and will undoubtedly be counting down the days until his next release.

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The Auctioneer By D.J. Williams

Every year, I discover an author who reignites my passion for reading. This year, that author is DJ Williams. After diving into the action-thriller The King of the Night, the second book in his superb Chase Hardeman series, I quickly realized that Williams deserves a place among the best in the action-thriller genre. Enthralled by his superb storytelling, I immediately ordered the first book, The Auctioneer, which has now become one of my favorite reads of the year!

The Auctioneer delivers a perfect blend of action and depth. It not only satisfies the reader’s craving for excitement but also delves into global politics, international terrorism, father-son relationships, and a touch of romance. These elements propel the thriller along a captivating path that keeps readers fully absorbed. The characters, especially Chase Hardeman, are well-developed and showcase DJ Williams’s exceptional talent as a writer.

From the very first page, this story grabs you with a gripping bang and never lets up. I promise you won’t be able to put it down. Williams’s writing is crisp and engaging, with action scenes that are vividly described and meticulously crafted. I guarantee you will love The Auctioneer.

Additionally, I highly recommend pre-ordering The King of the Night by DJ Williams, set to release on September 9, 2024. You won’t want to miss it!

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Fight Fight By Kevin Miller

Kevin Miller is an unquestionable master of military fiction, and his latest novel, Fight Fight, plunges readers into a terrifyingly plausible scenario of modern naval warfare in the highly contested South China Sea. As the third installment in his Raven One series, Miller—a decorated tactical naval aviator himself—brings unparalleled authenticity to the cockpit and the carrier deck. The novel begins with a seemingly contained incident that quickly escalates, spiraling into a full-blown conflict between the United States and China. You'll feel the stress under the canopy as pilots make split-second decisions that determine life and death for themselves, their teammates, and the enemy.

Miller expertly weaves together multiple perspectives, allowing readers to step into the minds of not only the American protagonists, like Carrier Air Group Commander "Flip" Wilson, but also their Chinese counterparts. Beyond the thrilling dogfights and missile exchanges, the book delves into the intricate web of military strategy, leadership under immense stress, and the critical role of information (and misinformation) in times of crisis. Miller’s style leaps off the page with incredible detail and realism infused into every aerial combat sequence and naval maneuver. It makes you feel as though you're right there amidst the action, whether in the cockpit of an F-18 or on the bridge of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

For anyone who craves an authentic, high-stakes military thriller, Fight Fight is an absolute must-read. The book is a relentless page-turner, keeping you on the edge of your seat as the fate of nations hangs in the balance. It was definitely one of my favorite reads of the year. Prepare for a gripping and immersive experience that feels alarmingly close to reality, solidifying Kevin Miller's place among the top military fiction authors.

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Declared Hostile By Kevin Miller

Kevin Miller’s Declared Hostile is a masterfully crafted military thriller that propels readers from the immediacy of today’s geopolitical tensions into the high-stakes world of U.S. naval aviation. As the compelling sequel to Raven One, the novel continues the journey of Commander Jim "Flip" Wilson and his fellow aviators, this time shifting the operational theater to a fictional yet strikingly plausible U.S. naval engagement in the Caribbean. The narrative centers on a precarious alliance between a Venezuelan government faction and a formidable drug cartel, presenting a scenario that poses a direct threat to American national security in the "War on Drugs."

Miller, a retired Navy captain and seasoned tactical aviator, draws upon his extensive military experience to deliver a narrative that is both technically precise and emotionally resonant. From the opening pages, readers are thrust into the intensity of a night mission, with vivid depictions of carrier operations and aerial combat that are as authentic as they are harrowing.

What elevates Declared Hostile beyond the conventions of the genre is its remarkable depth of character and thematic complexity. While the action sequences are undeniably exhilarating, Miller’s true strength lies in his ability to portray the psychological and interpersonal dynamics within a carrier squadron. Through nuanced character development, he explores themes of leadership, loyalty, jealousy, and betrayal—on both sides of the conflict. The novel transcends its genre by offering a thoughtful meditation on the human cost of warfare and the moral ambiguities inherent in military intervention.

Ultimately, Declared Hostile is a gripping and intellectually rewarding read for enthusiasts of military fiction and techno-thrillers. The pacing is relentless, culminating in a climactic sequence that is both dramatic and credible. Yet Miller wisely extends the story beyond the battlefield, examining the enduring impact of conflict on both military personnel and civilians. For readers who admire the works of Tom Clancy or Stephen Coonts, Miller’s novel stands as a distinguished contribution to the genre—combining technical authenticity with profound human insight. Trust me – this definitely a thriller that you will struggle to put down.

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52 Pickup By Elmore Leonard

In his 1974 crime novel 52 Pickup, Elmore Leonard plunges a seemingly ordinary man into a world of escalating violence and moral ambiguity. The protagonist, Harry Mitchell, is a successful Detroit businessman whose comfortable life is shattered by the appearance of three blackmailers. What begins as a straightforward extortion plot quickly spirals out of control when Harry, stubborn and unwilling to be a victim, decides to play by his own rules.

What truly elevates this thriller is Leonard's iconic style, which is on full display here. The narrative is driven by his hallmark crisp, naturalistic dialogue, where every line feels authentic. The book's charm lies in its cast of lowlifes and psychos, whose bumbling attempts at crime are as darkly humorous as they are chilling. The tension doesn't come from grand twists or convoluted schemes, but from the simple, terrifying game of cat and mouse between Harry and his antagonists.

Beyond the thrilling plot, 52 Pickup is a compelling study of character and morality. Harry Mitchell is not a hero in the traditional sense; he is flawed, deeply pragmatic, and capable of both surprising decency and shocking violence. The novel explores the blurred lines between good and bad, showing how desperation can push an average person to commit extraordinary acts. For fans of hardboiled crime fiction, this book is an essential read that showcases one of the genre's true masters at the peak of his form. I highly recommend this superbly written thriller that easily survives the passage of time.

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