I will be recommending Relentless—period. No questions asked. I absolutely loved this book. Michael Maloof has delivered a high-octane thriller that balances breakneck pacing with emotional weight, and I was not prepared for how deeply it would hit me. I don’t cry over books, especially not thrillers—but this one got me. To have a male author write a female protagonist with such authenticity and depth that it breaks through my emotional armor? That’s a winner in my eyes.
Kate Preacher is the kind of lead you instantly root for: tough, brilliant, and emotionally complex. From the opening pages, the story never lets go—packed with high-stakes action, globe-trotting danger, and a conspiracy centered on a chillingly plausible piece of tech. Despite the shifting players and international locations, nothing feels overwhelming; it all clicks together seamlessly. And the supporting cast? I loved every single one. They’re more than just background—they’re distinct, fleshed out, and integral to story. The linear timeline keeps the momentum strong, while the standout dialogue breathes life into every scene. And just when you think you have the plot figured out, it flips again.
Relentless reads like the second or third book in a series—in the best way. You’re dropped into Kate’s world mid-stride, and as the pages turn, her backstory begins to unfold naturally, adding layers without info-dumping. This makes her feel lived-in, real, and fully formed from the start. It’s rare to find a debut that’s this polished, this emotionally resonant, and this unrelentingly gripping. I’m already diving into book two, because Kate Preacher is a force, and I’m all in.
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