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Scion
Scott's life is turned upside down when he is wrongly accused of a crime. A crime which alerts a very powerful group to his very existence. An existence they believed they had extinguished twenty five years earlier. It seems his very being is a threat to them and as such, must do whatever it takes to kill him.
However, there appears to be one major flaw in their plan, Scott is not all he appears to be!
Best not have an early start in the morning, Scion is an action packed thriller that will have you up all night.
However, there appears to be one major flaw in their plan, Scott is not all he appears to be!
Best not have an early start in the morning, Scion is an action packed thriller that will have you up all night.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2010
165 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 2, 2012
Murray McDonald's first novel took me by complete surprise. I had downloaded it several weeks ago, allowing it to be pushed further down my queue by newer purchases. Standard procedure for my Kindle. I'm really glad I didn't allow this one to slip away, since the discovery of this author couldn't have been better timed. With summer approaching, McDonald's titles will keep me busy
SCION is a fast paced, no holds barred techno-thriller that will keep you on engaged from the very first page. The reader will be introduced to a number of nefarious characters, from the highest level politicians and government cabinet members to merciless, street level assassins, all of which play a role in a conspiracy so deep and omnipotent, that you will at first feel a sense of despair and hopelessness for the protagonists. As the story builds steam, the balance carefully shifts, putting you in the middle of an all out battle for domination. Unlike many conspiracy thrillers, there is a personal connection that transcends duty for the protagonist, which makes the plot all the more enjoyable and satisfying. Revenge is a theme I seek out in thrillers, and you will find no shortage in this novel.
The author makes convincing use of technology to support the plot, though it is important to note that the human elements drive the story. I particularly enjoyed the employment of weapons systems by The Unit, as directed by the upper echelon conspirators...I won't spoil the fun, but McDonald puts some of the world's best equipment to work against anyone that stands in their way. I loved it, particular the Strykers. The war against the drug cartels would be over tomorrow if the U.S. government could use assets like he portrayed.
Overall character development is strong. McDonald doesn't make it easy for the reader to guess who will live or die. He gives good detail into the background and thought process of characters, even if they aren't going to be around long. This gives the entire cast good depth and supports the rich narrative.
Gritty and unapologetic, this one will leave you wondering about the world's chess board, and questioning the loyalty of the pawns moving across that board in support of the Kings.
SCION is a fast paced, no holds barred techno-thriller that will keep you on engaged from the very first page. The reader will be introduced to a number of nefarious characters, from the highest level politicians and government cabinet members to merciless, street level assassins, all of which play a role in a conspiracy so deep and omnipotent, that you will at first feel a sense of despair and hopelessness for the protagonists. As the story builds steam, the balance carefully shifts, putting you in the middle of an all out battle for domination. Unlike many conspiracy thrillers, there is a personal connection that transcends duty for the protagonist, which makes the plot all the more enjoyable and satisfying. Revenge is a theme I seek out in thrillers, and you will find no shortage in this novel.
The author makes convincing use of technology to support the plot, though it is important to note that the human elements drive the story. I particularly enjoyed the employment of weapons systems by The Unit, as directed by the upper echelon conspirators...I won't spoil the fun, but McDonald puts some of the world's best equipment to work against anyone that stands in their way. I loved it, particular the Strykers. The war against the drug cartels would be over tomorrow if the U.S. government could use assets like he portrayed.
Overall character development is strong. McDonald doesn't make it easy for the reader to guess who will live or die. He gives good detail into the background and thought process of characters, even if they aren't going to be around long. This gives the entire cast good depth and supports the rich narrative.
Gritty and unapologetic, this one will leave you wondering about the world's chess board, and questioning the loyalty of the pawns moving across that board in support of the Kings.
December 29, 2013
This is a stunning action thriller. Most (action) books ramp up to anywhere from 9 to 11 (on a 10-point scale) by the time the story is closing. Scion starts at a 12 and rarely strays from that point. There are very few moments for the reader to catch his or her breath, but that is hardly a detractor.
Basic premise: a young man is arrested for rape, the arrest broadcast on international TV. A woman recognizes him but does not know his name. Complications ensue (to tell more would be major spoilers).
Granted, there has to be some suspension of disbelief in a story of this sort, but it is very heavily rooted in reality. Generally, this is mostly plausible on some level, even if some parts cause you to just say "Okay..." to yourself and continue on. Unless you demand absolute reality in essentially escapist literature, this is not a detriment to the story.
The book is well written, though it could stand a good proofing. There were quite a few cases of missing or extraneous words, some missing letters (e.g., showing "he" instead of "the"), and a homonym problem or two ("there" instead of "their"), but not enough to warrant dismissing the book as the rest of it is so well conceived and executed.
I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking high-caliber action.
Basic premise: a young man is arrested for rape, the arrest broadcast on international TV. A woman recognizes him but does not know his name. Complications ensue (to tell more would be major spoilers).
Granted, there has to be some suspension of disbelief in a story of this sort, but it is very heavily rooted in reality. Generally, this is mostly plausible on some level, even if some parts cause you to just say "Okay..." to yourself and continue on. Unless you demand absolute reality in essentially escapist literature, this is not a detriment to the story.
The book is well written, though it could stand a good proofing. There were quite a few cases of missing or extraneous words, some missing letters (e.g., showing "he" instead of "the"), and a homonym problem or two ("there" instead of "their"), but not enough to warrant dismissing the book as the rest of it is so well conceived and executed.
I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking high-caliber action.
April 11, 2012
Sit down, strap in and go for a great ride. Another page turner from Mr. McDonald.
This is my second read from this author. As in the first novel I read, Critical Error, the plot line is a little far fetched, but having experienced it before in the previous novel, I was able to move past that in short order.
Once again business executives are using U.S. government agencies for their nefarious actions. The body count is high as Transcon agents chase the protagonist, Scott, around the globe destroying or killing whenever it fits the needs of their agenda.
For those who have read Critical Error but not this novel, note: In CE the protagonist was a character named Sam Baker. In this novel, the lead bad guy is also Sam Baker, although not the same person. It was confusing to me when the character was introduced but it was soon cleared up.
This is my second read from this author. As in the first novel I read, Critical Error, the plot line is a little far fetched, but having experienced it before in the previous novel, I was able to move past that in short order.
Once again business executives are using U.S. government agencies for their nefarious actions. The body count is high as Transcon agents chase the protagonist, Scott, around the globe destroying or killing whenever it fits the needs of their agenda.
For those who have read Critical Error but not this novel, note: In CE the protagonist was a character named Sam Baker. In this novel, the lead bad guy is also Sam Baker, although not the same person. It was confusing to me when the character was introduced but it was soon cleared up.
June 25, 2016
Amazon Description
Scott's life is turned upside down when he is wrongly accused of a crime. A crime which alerts a very powerful group to his very existence. An existence they believed they had extinguished twenty five years earlier. It seems his very being is a threat to them and as such, must do whatever it takes to kill him. However, there appears to be one major flaw in their plan, Scott is not all he appears to be!
My review
Indeed Scott is not all he appears to be, having been brought up on a remote island following the death of his parents, he becomes one of the world’s deadliest assassins. There is, however, a massive secret behind his parents’ death, and indeed who they actually were. It is his pursuit of this knowledge that drives him on. His journey takes him literally around the world, trying to find those who would keep the truth from him. He is assisted by two of his friends who are very able killing machines themselves, a young lady who has incredible sniper skills amongst other attributes, and there is a love aspect that makes him very protective.
It is an action packed read that hurtles the reader round the globe. The plot is just about believable, but certainly believable enough to draw me in. My only criticism would be the over use of the word “scream”, not used to show pain, but whenever someone is angry, their words are screamed at whoever they are with – it became quite noticeable!
Scott's life is turned upside down when he is wrongly accused of a crime. A crime which alerts a very powerful group to his very existence. An existence they believed they had extinguished twenty five years earlier. It seems his very being is a threat to them and as such, must do whatever it takes to kill him. However, there appears to be one major flaw in their plan, Scott is not all he appears to be!
My review
Indeed Scott is not all he appears to be, having been brought up on a remote island following the death of his parents, he becomes one of the world’s deadliest assassins. There is, however, a massive secret behind his parents’ death, and indeed who they actually were. It is his pursuit of this knowledge that drives him on. His journey takes him literally around the world, trying to find those who would keep the truth from him. He is assisted by two of his friends who are very able killing machines themselves, a young lady who has incredible sniper skills amongst other attributes, and there is a love aspect that makes him very protective.
It is an action packed read that hurtles the reader round the globe. The plot is just about believable, but certainly believable enough to draw me in. My only criticism would be the over use of the word “scream”, not used to show pain, but whenever someone is angry, their words are screamed at whoever they are with – it became quite noticeable!
July 21, 2012
I usually do not write reviews but this book compelled me to do so. I stumbled upon it on Amazon.com and tried it. I'm over the world that I did. Fabulous storyline, intricate characters, and action that is over the top. This book is simply put; great. I am now personally compelled to read more by this author.
June 21, 2015
Heads have rolled
Minor grammatical errors, better than found in most newspapers these days, good plot line. I read for enjoyment, rather than a critical eye for shortcomings but sometimes, it's just there and too many heads are gone. I will try one more by this author and and see how it goes.
Minor grammatical errors, better than found in most newspapers these days, good plot line. I read for enjoyment, rather than a critical eye for shortcomings but sometimes, it's just there and too many heads are gone. I will try one more by this author and and see how it goes.
May 30, 2016
Scott's life is turned upside down when he is wrongly accused of a crime which alerted a very powerful group of people of his existence. They believe he died twenty-five years ago.
Scott becomes involved with heads of governments as more powerful business people determine who will be the next president as they kill any threats.
Scott becomes involved with heads of governments as more powerful business people determine who will be the next president as they kill any threats.
October 23, 2011
This was a great book. It is fast paced and action packed. This is a book you do not want to put down.
October 4, 2015
A fast paced action thriller. Like all in the genre suspension of belief is a necessity but an interesting plot keeps you involved right to the end.
August 23, 2018
This was a book on my Kindle for quite some time. I finally decided to read it. All in all, it was a good story and a good read,. Not a great read, but a good one. The positives - the characters are likable, and the plot moves fast. The negatives - the plot was kind of far fetched. I mean, it was fiction and all, but I think that half of the Dept of Defense was killed, and a small island wiped out...However, I did like it and will probably read more by the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2022
Who is good?
A fascinating book with characters you have trouble trying to keep straight and deciding who should receive your support. Toward the end it is clearer but the actual end is in doubt.
A fascinating book with characters you have trouble trying to keep straight and deciding who should receive your support. Toward the end it is clearer but the actual end is in doubt.
May 7, 2017
Great read. Really held my interest
May 21, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Fast-paced and entertaining. The K team is just too far over the top to give it 5 stars, but that does not detract from the experience.
July 6, 2018
Great book
I got this as a free kindle book and it was in my library for ages and kept on being overlooked wish I read it earlier great plot will read more from this author
I got this as a free kindle book and it was in my library for ages and kept on being overlooked wish I read it earlier great plot will read more from this author
November 2, 2022
This fast-paced novel is full of clichés. Good guy gets girl, bad guys scream "kill him" often, the request sex scene, and the blood show down. It started of good and went swiftly down hill.
April 1, 2013
Easy to read, the good guys are really good the bad really bad, and of course the hero is super!It has all the conspiracy stuff in it. It kept me entertained for a wet and cold weekend. I have given it 5 stars because I enjoyed it. Any ratings system which restricts you to only five stars is difficult - the best book I have ever read would not rate 5 stars normally because I would hope one day to read a better book. I read about 200 books a year covering all subjects, so the 5 stars given here are for the day I read it. I cannot comment on the literary expertise as I know I could not write a book myself and it would be presumptuous of me to criticise the actual writing style
May 5, 2016
Wow!
A fast paced action-filled thriller, right from the start until the end. The tension kept rising, half way down the middle of it I was confused as to who was friend or foe, events, actions and characters changed and interacted so quickly.
This book had everything a thriller needs, action, conspiracies, good and bad guys and girls, a brilliant plot and narration style - the only thing it did not have (and which cost it one star!), was good editing: the numerous spelling and especially grammar errors were really annoying and took some of the fun out for me.
Apart from that, though - brilliant story, definitely a recommendation from me.
A fast paced action-filled thriller, right from the start until the end. The tension kept rising, half way down the middle of it I was confused as to who was friend or foe, events, actions and characters changed and interacted so quickly.
This book had everything a thriller needs, action, conspiracies, good and bad guys and girls, a brilliant plot and narration style - the only thing it did not have (and which cost it one star!), was good editing: the numerous spelling and especially grammar errors were really annoying and took some of the fun out for me.
Apart from that, though - brilliant story, definitely a recommendation from me.
January 8, 2015
Scion (by Murray McDonald)
Absolute power corrupts absolutely! Scott Kennedy finds that to be the absolute truth while attempting to stay alive and keep his best friends alive too. Get ready for the ride of your life. Back and forth around the world trying to find out who he is, why someone would want him dead, along with everyone who is part of his life. Thanks for another great read.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely! Scott Kennedy finds that to be the absolute truth while attempting to stay alive and keep his best friends alive too. Get ready for the ride of your life. Back and forth around the world trying to find out who he is, why someone would want him dead, along with everyone who is part of his life. Thanks for another great read.
September 18, 2015
SCION
I will admit I really didn't want to read another book by this author after being so disappointed by the Billionaires series, which I found out after was more of an young adult book read. But after seeing mostly very high ratings for the authors' other books I decided to give it another chance. Scion was more than a redemption. This book was a really entertaining read. Okay, you've got me back Mr McDonald.
I will admit I really didn't want to read another book by this author after being so disappointed by the Billionaires series, which I found out after was more of an young adult book read. But after seeing mostly very high ratings for the authors' other books I decided to give it another chance. Scion was more than a redemption. This book was a really entertaining read. Okay, you've got me back Mr McDonald.
June 3, 2015
Embarrassing.
Very embarrassing and disappointing that such a talented story-crafter would fill page after sickening page of his favorite two words - sh-- and his very favorite present in almost every paragraph, fu-- in some nasty form. So unnecessary! Ruined the great story. He must view the act of physical union as the nastiest and dirtiest form of lowlife. Poor man. He has my pity.
Very embarrassing and disappointing that such a talented story-crafter would fill page after sickening page of his favorite two words - sh-- and his very favorite present in almost every paragraph, fu-- in some nasty form. So unnecessary! Ruined the great story. He must view the act of physical union as the nastiest and dirtiest form of lowlife. Poor man. He has my pity.
December 18, 2015
Wow! What an amazing book! Mr. McDonald weaves an incredible tale of corporate espionage, political mysteries and intrigue that does not stop! Did I mention that there are assassins, corruption, and even retribution? It's so difficult to write a review that encompasses how outstanding this book was! Instead of focusing on this review, just get the book...and get it now. You will not be disappointed!
September 13, 2013
This is a wildly improbable thriller when a lost heir is arrested for a rape he didn't commit it'll burst open a conspiracy that could make more than one world government fall. This novel was really over the top. I was happy to finish it but found a tonne of plot holes and lots of one dimensional characters all happy to go along with any suggestion by the movie-star handsome male lead.
December 10, 2015
Most stories of this type seem to have a great build-up and then simply deflate. Scion took off from the beginning, built up some great expectations, and then delivered with a bang! Great tale of international mystery, espionage, suspense, and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish.
December 31, 2016
As with his other books, Murray McDonald starts out fast and furious with the action and weaves a tale of complicated conspiracy. I love the twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat. There were a couple of points that were not resolved for me but over all I really enjoyed reading this novel and I found the ending satisfying with the twist. I did NOT see that coming!
February 5, 2013
Loved this book. Plenty of action, thrills and spills. Also plenty of killing. Seems that someone was killed every chapter. No bad thing, mind you.
Didnt see the final twist at the end coming though. Look forward to reading other books by McDonald
Didnt see the final twist at the end coming though. Look forward to reading other books by McDonald
October 25, 2015
Very good book.
Probably one of the better books that I have read. Enjoyed it immensely. Kept you guessing and rooting for the good guys. Will definitely be reading more of this author's books.
Probably one of the better books that I have read. Enjoyed it immensely. Kept you guessing and rooting for the good guys. Will definitely be reading more of this author's books.
March 28, 2016
A very good techno thriller. It reminds me a great deal of Ted Bell and his Hawke series. A fun read when looking for something enjoyable and not to heavy. I enjoyed it more than some of Mr. McDonald's other books
August 18, 2016
Can't recommend.
Too much foul language that's not needed. Writer sure does like to use f__k a lot. Too bad. Might have been a good read otherwise. Wouldn't know, didn't bother to finish it.
Too much foul language that's not needed. Writer sure does like to use f__k a lot. Too bad. Might have been a good read otherwise. Wouldn't know, didn't bother to finish it.
November 30, 2012
The bad guys were to dumb to be believable.
October 18, 2012
ok. decent story, just things never really happened. i kept waiting and waiting. knew i should bail and get a new book, but hadn't done that in ages. my mistake.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews