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Agent 21 #2
Agent 21: Reloaded
Some authors just write about it. Chris Ryan has been there, done it, and lived to tell the tale. This is the second in the action-thriller Agent 21 series by the real-life SAS hero.
In the year since Zak Darke was approached by a shadowy government agency to become Agent 21, his world has changed completely. But there is no time to reflect on this - the undercover operations go on.
Zak is sent to a port in west Africa, a known terrorist stronghold, under the guise of working ona charity volunteer project. But charity work could not be further from Zak's real mission - he must sneak onboard an enemy ship, gather information - and then destroy it.
Never has Zak's training been more useful: Trust nobody.
In the year since Zak Darke was approached by a shadowy government agency to become Agent 21, his world has changed completely. But there is no time to reflect on this - the undercover operations go on.
Zak is sent to a port in west Africa, a known terrorist stronghold, under the guise of working ona charity volunteer project. But charity work could not be further from Zak's real mission - he must sneak onboard an enemy ship, gather information - and then destroy it.
Never has Zak's training been more useful: Trust nobody.
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
110 people are currently reading
690 people want to read
About the author
Chris Ryan
342 books1,021 followersColin Armstrong (b. 1961), usually known by the pen-name Chris Ryan, is a British author, television presenter, security consultant and former Special Air Service sergeant.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 14, 2018
Agent 21: Reloaded is the second book in Chris Ryan’s Agent 21 series, and as with the first book I found it to be an enjoyable quick read. Much like the first book, book two is also a three-point-five-star rating that I decided to round down.
Following the events of Agent 21, Agent 21: Reloaded throws us into another action-packed novel that will have you turning the pages at such a rapid pace that you will soon finding yourself on the final page ready to grab the next book. Throughout, we have a story that holds your attention, giving us a tale that has us turning the pages. It stands well as a thriller all on its own, but when you add in the details that link it back to the prior book you’re given more fun.
In truth, I cannot decide if I enjoyed this one more or less than I enjoyed the first book. I enjoyed that we got a bigger picture with this one, allowing us to follow more than just our main character. However, as with the first book, things were too black and white for me. In fact, I found this one to be overly obvious in places – it was clear from the very start who was bad and who was good, when I prefer things to be less clear cut.
Nevertheless, Agent 21: Reloaded left me more than willing to dive into the third book to see what happens next for the characters.
Following the events of Agent 21, Agent 21: Reloaded throws us into another action-packed novel that will have you turning the pages at such a rapid pace that you will soon finding yourself on the final page ready to grab the next book. Throughout, we have a story that holds your attention, giving us a tale that has us turning the pages. It stands well as a thriller all on its own, but when you add in the details that link it back to the prior book you’re given more fun.
In truth, I cannot decide if I enjoyed this one more or less than I enjoyed the first book. I enjoyed that we got a bigger picture with this one, allowing us to follow more than just our main character. However, as with the first book, things were too black and white for me. In fact, I found this one to be overly obvious in places – it was clear from the very start who was bad and who was good, when I prefer things to be less clear cut.
Nevertheless, Agent 21: Reloaded left me more than willing to dive into the third book to see what happens next for the characters.
November 3, 2016
I cannot believe he failed in his mission to sink the ship
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2014
Read the full review at: Polkadot's Book Blog
There are good times and bad times to do almost everything in life. Everything, that is, except visit a grave.
I read the first book in the series recently, and after finishing it I was really excited to continue the series as it was a really enjoyable start to the series. After reading the second I can admit that I liked this one a little more as I felt the characters were a lot more developed and the story was slightly more gripping.
What I liked most about this book is that it is split into two separate missions, one that follows Zak and the other that follows his 'guardian angels'. So you get two read about two different missions at the same time, which I thought made the book that more interesting and engrossing, because it gave us a break from reading just about Zak. Don't get me wrong I love Zak, but it was refreshing reading from a different perspective from time to time.
Also because the missions were different, both gave off different atmospheres. While reading one I was really creeped out because it gave off the feeling of being stalked and that people are watching you, as that was what was happening with the character in the middle of this mission. But on the other, Zak's mission, it was more an action atmosphere as stuff was constantly happening, there wasn't a break between anything. When one big action-packed thing ended another one began. It was constantly moving, making it really intense and fast paced. So it was easy to see a contrast between the two missions and I loved that.
Another thing I liked about the book was it was clear to see the character growth between the first and second book. The relationships became more pronounced and I was really able to fall in love with the characters as you were able to see their different personalities more.
Overall, this book adds to a increasingly enjoyable series that used a cunning twist to keep it's readers engaged. It used tons of suspense and action to grip its readers and make a thrilling atmosphere from chapter to chapter. Making it a lot more enjoyable espionage read for me and encouraging me to carry on with the series even more.
There are good times and bad times to do almost everything in life. Everything, that is, except visit a grave.
I read the first book in the series recently, and after finishing it I was really excited to continue the series as it was a really enjoyable start to the series. After reading the second I can admit that I liked this one a little more as I felt the characters were a lot more developed and the story was slightly more gripping.
What I liked most about this book is that it is split into two separate missions, one that follows Zak and the other that follows his 'guardian angels'. So you get two read about two different missions at the same time, which I thought made the book that more interesting and engrossing, because it gave us a break from reading just about Zak. Don't get me wrong I love Zak, but it was refreshing reading from a different perspective from time to time.
Also because the missions were different, both gave off different atmospheres. While reading one I was really creeped out because it gave off the feeling of being stalked and that people are watching you, as that was what was happening with the character in the middle of this mission. But on the other, Zak's mission, it was more an action atmosphere as stuff was constantly happening, there wasn't a break between anything. When one big action-packed thing ended another one began. It was constantly moving, making it really intense and fast paced. So it was easy to see a contrast between the two missions and I loved that.
Another thing I liked about the book was it was clear to see the character growth between the first and second book. The relationships became more pronounced and I was really able to fall in love with the characters as you were able to see their different personalities more.
Overall, this book adds to a increasingly enjoyable series that used a cunning twist to keep it's readers engaged. It used tons of suspense and action to grip its readers and make a thrilling atmosphere from chapter to chapter. Making it a lot more enjoyable espionage read for me and encouraging me to carry on with the series even more.
January 25, 2018
The action is a little more improbable in this one (in keeping with a target audience of young teenagers); but nevertheless a good read.
June 23, 2023
There’s quite a bit to say about the book. There were lots of high tension scenes, plot twists, high and low moments but overall a great book!!
It was exciting to see Agent 21 in the field in a completely different environment - in the sea opposed to just land warfare in the first book. We saw more of Cruz’s character expanded, and he had a realistic motive and reason for his wanted revenge.
The only issues really are slight repetition and an ending I’m confused about. In short, the ship sank and everyone on board who fell in the water died due to the currents. Full grown men died, but Cruz, a teenager maybe 16-17 years old survived with only mild injuries. Leading on, it leaves me unsure on how the next book can continue as I’d need a lot of convincing to see Cruz as the antagonist again, although I’m just as excited to read on. Overall a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read!
It was exciting to see Agent 21 in the field in a completely different environment - in the sea opposed to just land warfare in the first book. We saw more of Cruz’s character expanded, and he had a realistic motive and reason for his wanted revenge.
The only issues really are slight repetition and an ending I’m confused about. In short, the ship sank and everyone on board who fell in the water died due to the currents. Full grown men died, but Cruz, a teenager maybe 16-17 years old survived with only mild injuries. Leading on, it leaves me unsure on how the next book can continue as I’d need a lot of convincing to see Cruz as the antagonist again, although I’m just as excited to read on. Overall a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2016
Klappentext/Inhalt:
Ein sympathischer Held und eine hochbrisante Mission
Ein Jahr ist vergangen, seitdem Zak zum Agenten wurde, und es gibt kein Zurück in sein altes Leben. Schon führt sein nächster Auftrag ihn nach Westafrika. Dort soll er das Schiff der Black Wolfs ausspionieren und außer Gefecht setzen – einer Gruppe von Terroristen, die sich an den Diamantenvorkommen des kriegsgebeutelten Landes bereichern. Als jugendlicher Entwicklungshelfer getarnt, erreicht Zak sein Ziel. Doch was ihn dort erwartet ist grauenvoller, als er sich hätte träumen können … Und was Zak nicht ahnt: Seine alten Feinde sind ihm auf der Spur!
Meine Meinung:
Nachdem mir der erste Band so gut gefallen hat, musste ich kurze Zeit später einfach zum zweiten Band greifen. Ich hatte mich hier wieder auf eine spannende Geschichte gefasst gemacht und diese habe ich auch erhalten.
Zak hat sich seinem neuen Leben angepasst. Er weiß, dass es immer gefährlich werden kann aber er findet dies gar nicht mal so schlecht. Als sein Mentor ihm einen neuen Auftrag überträgt, kann er nicht fassen, was er tun soll. Er soll nach Westafrika um dort ein Schiff zu beobachten und dort soll er auch noch andere Dinge veranlassen.
Der neue Auftrag ist Zak nicht ganz geheuer aber er stellt sich diesem. Als er in Westafrika ankommt, merkt er schnell hier findet ein ganz anderes Leben statt, als er gewöhnt ist. Zum einen soll er das Schiff beobachten und dort andere Dinge machen aber er kann einfach nicht über die Missstände hinwegsehen. Er versucht sich dafür einzusetzen aber dies geht nicht ganz so aus, wie er sich das erhofft hat. Bei der Spionage des Schiffes passiert so einiges. Bald muss er sich um sein Leben fürchten und dann taucht auch noch ein Feind auf, mit dem er nie gerechnet hat.
Der erste Band hat mir so gut gefallen, dass ich zeitnah weiterlesen musste. Auch in diesem Buch bekommen wir wieder ein unfassbar spannendes, nervenaufreibendes und humorvolles Abenteuer. Außerdem gibt es in diesem Buch diesmal zwei Schauplätze. Zum einen haben wir Zak, der in Westafrika ist aber zeitgleich passiert auch etwas in seiner Heimatstadt. Die parallelen Geschichten, die letztendlich zusammenhängen konnten mich absolut begeistern. Ich bin schon so gespannt, was der dritte Band für ein Abenteuer enthält.
Fazit:
Dieses Buch war spannend, nervenaufreibend aber auch humorvoll. Dieses Buch konnte ich kaum aus der Hand legen und ich habe mit Zak so mitgefiebert. Manchmal hatte ich echt Angst um ihn. Obwohl mir Schiffe in einem Buch nicht so zusagen, konnte mich dieses Buch aber dennoch absolut begeistern.
Bewertung:
Cover: 5/5
Klappentext: 5/5
Inhalt: 4,5/5
Schreibstil: 4,5/5
Gesamtpaket: 4,5/5
4,5 von 5 Sterne
Ein sympathischer Held und eine hochbrisante Mission
Ein Jahr ist vergangen, seitdem Zak zum Agenten wurde, und es gibt kein Zurück in sein altes Leben. Schon führt sein nächster Auftrag ihn nach Westafrika. Dort soll er das Schiff der Black Wolfs ausspionieren und außer Gefecht setzen – einer Gruppe von Terroristen, die sich an den Diamantenvorkommen des kriegsgebeutelten Landes bereichern. Als jugendlicher Entwicklungshelfer getarnt, erreicht Zak sein Ziel. Doch was ihn dort erwartet ist grauenvoller, als er sich hätte träumen können … Und was Zak nicht ahnt: Seine alten Feinde sind ihm auf der Spur!
Meine Meinung:
Nachdem mir der erste Band so gut gefallen hat, musste ich kurze Zeit später einfach zum zweiten Band greifen. Ich hatte mich hier wieder auf eine spannende Geschichte gefasst gemacht und diese habe ich auch erhalten.
Zak hat sich seinem neuen Leben angepasst. Er weiß, dass es immer gefährlich werden kann aber er findet dies gar nicht mal so schlecht. Als sein Mentor ihm einen neuen Auftrag überträgt, kann er nicht fassen, was er tun soll. Er soll nach Westafrika um dort ein Schiff zu beobachten und dort soll er auch noch andere Dinge veranlassen.
Der neue Auftrag ist Zak nicht ganz geheuer aber er stellt sich diesem. Als er in Westafrika ankommt, merkt er schnell hier findet ein ganz anderes Leben statt, als er gewöhnt ist. Zum einen soll er das Schiff beobachten und dort andere Dinge machen aber er kann einfach nicht über die Missstände hinwegsehen. Er versucht sich dafür einzusetzen aber dies geht nicht ganz so aus, wie er sich das erhofft hat. Bei der Spionage des Schiffes passiert so einiges. Bald muss er sich um sein Leben fürchten und dann taucht auch noch ein Feind auf, mit dem er nie gerechnet hat.
Der erste Band hat mir so gut gefallen, dass ich zeitnah weiterlesen musste. Auch in diesem Buch bekommen wir wieder ein unfassbar spannendes, nervenaufreibendes und humorvolles Abenteuer. Außerdem gibt es in diesem Buch diesmal zwei Schauplätze. Zum einen haben wir Zak, der in Westafrika ist aber zeitgleich passiert auch etwas in seiner Heimatstadt. Die parallelen Geschichten, die letztendlich zusammenhängen konnten mich absolut begeistern. Ich bin schon so gespannt, was der dritte Band für ein Abenteuer enthält.
Fazit:
Dieses Buch war spannend, nervenaufreibend aber auch humorvoll. Dieses Buch konnte ich kaum aus der Hand legen und ich habe mit Zak so mitgefiebert. Manchmal hatte ich echt Angst um ihn. Obwohl mir Schiffe in einem Buch nicht so zusagen, konnte mich dieses Buch aber dennoch absolut begeistern.
Bewertung:
Cover: 5/5
Klappentext: 5/5
Inhalt: 4,5/5
Schreibstil: 4,5/5
Gesamtpaket: 4,5/5
4,5 von 5 Sterne
April 18, 2021
There were bits I liked about this books and bits that I really didn't like.
What I did like:
- The sub plot. This involved Gabs, Raf and Ellie. I thought it was really interesting seeing Gabs and Raf separately from Zak, and to see how they worked on missions. It does build up their own characterization, which I thought was lacking from the first book. I also really liked the involvement of Ellie and seeing the aftermath of Zak's "death" on his family.
- Bea. She was an interesting character and I hope we see her again.
What I didn't like:
- The main plot. Parts of it really dragged and could be quite boring, like the parts that Zak is on land in Angola. While it was nice that he aided in the building of the school, it took quite a lot of the book for what amounted to very little. In contrast, the parts where Zak is on the ship moved very quickly, and it actually became quite difficult to follow. While I get the sense that it moved very quickly and you're supposed to get the sense that maybe Zak was struggling to keep up, considering that he had been tortured and beaten, once he met up with Cruz, I dont actually know where they were. Were they on ship? In a room? I don't know.
- I found Zak to be quite boring and he's constantly questioning Michael. Honestly, I'm getting tired of it. I get that Zak thinks that Michael is dodgy and that he isn't telling them everything, but does it really need to be mentioned every time that Zak sees or thinks of Michael?
- This book didn't have the epilogue-like ending that the first book had, which explains what happens to all of the characters involved in the book. I really liked this in the first book, and I hope that its bought back for the future books.
What I did like:
- The sub plot. This involved Gabs, Raf and Ellie. I thought it was really interesting seeing Gabs and Raf separately from Zak, and to see how they worked on missions. It does build up their own characterization, which I thought was lacking from the first book. I also really liked the involvement of Ellie and seeing the aftermath of Zak's "death" on his family.
- Bea. She was an interesting character and I hope we see her again.
What I didn't like:
- The main plot. Parts of it really dragged and could be quite boring, like the parts that Zak is on land in Angola. While it was nice that he aided in the building of the school, it took quite a lot of the book for what amounted to very little. In contrast, the parts where Zak is on the ship moved very quickly, and it actually became quite difficult to follow. While I get the sense that it moved very quickly and you're supposed to get the sense that maybe Zak was struggling to keep up, considering that he had been tortured and beaten, once he met up with Cruz, I dont actually know where they were. Were they on ship? In a room? I don't know.
- I found Zak to be quite boring and he's constantly questioning Michael. Honestly, I'm getting tired of it. I get that Zak thinks that Michael is dodgy and that he isn't telling them everything, but does it really need to be mentioned every time that Zak sees or thinks of Michael?
- This book didn't have the epilogue-like ending that the first book had, which explains what happens to all of the characters involved in the book. I really liked this in the first book, and I hope that its bought back for the future books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2015
I decided to read Agent 21: Reloaded by Chris Ryan mainly because I like agent style novels and I thought it would be good. The character that I found interesting in the novel is Bea mostly because of the fact that she disguised herself so well that even the main character, Zak Darke didn't know that she was another undercover agent. A quote that I found interesting is "Don't try to escape Zak". I found the quote interesting because it placed a doubt in Zak's mind whether Bea's another undercover agent or if she was simply was working for the antagonists and endangering his life even more. This novel showed me that you can't trust anyone, not even your friends because Zak was actually sent to the mission to be bait without his superior telling him that he is one. Zak thought that the mission was him trying to catch the people who stole diamonds but it was actually him being used as bait to catch one of the most notorious criminals named Cruz Martinez who blamed Zak for the death of his father.
September 5, 2013
I love this sequel more than the 1st one honestly. Will write thoughts about this soon.
I think this is the best so far of the Agent 21 series. The character development here was very good and every chapter is thrilling to read. Although this has much gore, it was appropriate for the development of Zak Darke as an agent/spy. Everything what I expect for Zak Darke to be, it happens right in this book. One of my favorite espionage book of all time. Two thumbs up! :)
I think this is the best so far of the Agent 21 series. The character development here was very good and every chapter is thrilling to read. Although this has much gore, it was appropriate for the development of Zak Darke as an agent/spy. Everything what I expect for Zak Darke to be, it happens right in this book. One of my favorite espionage book of all time. Two thumbs up! :)
July 6, 2015
Honestly I think the first one was better. I found quite a few things that I didn't really like or that didn't feel right to me.
Might be cause it's a YA novel and I don't really read too much of those (though it seems different last few months).
Anyway it's a decent book and aftet first novel in the series I was looking forward to reading Zaks further adventures, but this one dimmed my enthusiasm a bit.
I hope the third one does things a little better.
Might be cause it's a YA novel and I don't really read too much of those (though it seems different last few months).
Anyway it's a decent book and aftet first novel in the series I was looking forward to reading Zaks further adventures, but this one dimmed my enthusiasm a bit.
I hope the third one does things a little better.
November 19, 2014
To be honest, this was an ok sequel. Again very realistic, the book was very good. But coming down to story, I felt like that feeling you have in the movies when it's a sequel. 1st movie is great. 2nd is a bit low in rating and then the 3rd is fantastic. And with this book that's how I felt. The book was a great action adventure thriller, but the story could have been better.
December 7, 2016
Not he best book of the series. It was off to a good start, finished well, but dragged a bit in the middle.
Maybe it's because the chapters are long without many natural breaks. It's not the sort of book you can then pick it and read a few pages of and then put down again.
I wonder how it would grab the attention therefore of a teenager.
Maybe it's because the chapters are long without many natural breaks. It's not the sort of book you can then pick it and read a few pages of and then put down again.
I wonder how it would grab the attention therefore of a teenager.
April 11, 2016
This book is one of the most interesting books I've read in my life. It starts off with from last book and I like how they keep the same idea, but they change the story so it does not seem like your are reading the same book twice.
March 28, 2013
An amazing book a must read for anyone who likes a good suspense I almost read it in one sitting I just couldn't keep my nose out of it
April 6, 2013
A really great read, difficult to put down, very well thought out, plot follows on from the first one. Great characters, which you really care about.
March 3, 2014
Action packed and suspenseful. Kept me guessing till the end. Well worth the read.
September 1, 2014
I love Agent 21 books. They are frilling and scary. It is awesome!! I recommend it to people who like spy stuff and army stuff.
September 19, 2016
It was cool but i would have thought it would be more exiting and at stages of the book it was boring
February 15, 2016
Another enjoyable read from Chris Ryan. I'm really starting to enjoy the Agent 21 series.
March 20, 2016
It is exactly like what the author calls it, "fast-action packed"
January 20, 2017
Same as the first one.
August 19, 2017
If you read the first book, this is also good as the first one
January 2, 2018
A brilliant continuation to the last book, with an amazing plot twist!
August 30, 2022
I love that this series gives us descriptions of real skills and facts the SAS would learn; it's really interesting to know.
I love the fast paced action and also the side story about building the school. It shows that Zak still has emotion and wants to use what he has learnt to help as many people as he can (even if it does land him in trouble).
Raf and Gabs like before are amazing characters and I love how much they care about Zak.
I love the fast paced action and also the side story about building the school. It shows that Zak still has emotion and wants to use what he has learnt to help as many people as he can (even if it does land him in trouble).
Raf and Gabs like before are amazing characters and I love how much they care about Zak.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2020
It was an excellent sequel to the first book in the 6 part series. I enjoyed it even more than the first. I especially liked how it had the story of calaca and Ellie and then the story with Zak and bea. It was a great read and would recommended to anyone who’s read the CHERUB series my favourite part was the final huge fight scene with Cruz bea and Zak
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2025
The sequel ramps up both the danger and the stakes. Zak feels more seasoned here, and the action sequences are even sharper. I especially enjoyed how Ryan doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of espionage—there’s always a cost to Zak’s missions.
That said, some readers may find the plot a little formulaic, but if you enjoy spy thrillers with non-stop tension, this one delivers.
That said, some readers may find the plot a little formulaic, but if you enjoy spy thrillers with non-stop tension, this one delivers.
October 8, 2020
3.5.
Also a re-read, because I’m doing the whole series, but I didn’t like this one quite as much as the others. I thinks it’s full of suspense, but not so much of anything else, in contrast to the other books. No real development of characters or anything, that’s why it’s only got 3.5 stars.
Also a re-read, because I’m doing the whole series, but I didn’t like this one quite as much as the others. I thinks it’s full of suspense, but not so much of anything else, in contrast to the other books. No real development of characters or anything, that’s why it’s only got 3.5 stars.
June 7, 2021
BEST BOOK EVER! A really good author and book! This book is action-packed s and you NEVER know, what is going to happen next. I would highly recommend this book but would advise people of 8+, to read it.😁 This book is the second, of the Agent 21 series. The series has six books, in total! 👍🏻
May 1, 2025
better than the first. The story with Zak's cousin was at times the best part of the story with genuine twists that I couldn't see coming. Bea was a well designed character. Satisfying ending that sets up the next book well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2018
3.5 Stars - I was really enjoying this story and the whining Zak showed up again... Still a very good story overall, but Zak (well the jury is still out)...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews