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Nate Hendrix Survival Thriller #1
Escape & Evade
For years, the former CIA operator had been hiding in plain sight. Now a kill squad has him in their cross-hairs. To the townspeople of Blayne, Utah, population 202, Nick Mercer was just a friendly thirty-something woodworker living in a small cabin at the end of a dirt road. But Nick also kept a fully stocked bug-out bag complete with a take-down sniper rifle, assorted passports and a pouch full of uncut diamonds hidden in the wall near his back door along with concealed surveillance cameras spread around his property. After a document forger is captured by authorities in Indonesia, Mercer’s aliases are eventually leaked to a powerful diamond broker with ties to Mercer’s past with the CIA in West Africa—a man who is willing to stop at nothing to hunt down the former agent. When a crew of private contractors disguised as FBI agents arrives in Blayne, Mercer discovers his primary escape route along the highway in southeastern Utah is cut off. Now, he must evade on foot through miles of rugged canyons. With seasoned assassins and a CIA grab team closing in, Nick Mercer must rekindle old survival skills to outrun them…and his past. For fans of Last of the Breed and First Blood This fast-paced survival-thriller is a stand-alone story that is connected with characters from the Search And Destroy Series.
191 pages, ebook
Published March 21, 2023
720 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
April 11, 2023
Escape and Evade
There were lots of unexpected twists and turns in the plot which made
for an enjoyable read. All in all a fun book.
There were lots of unexpected twists and turns in the plot which made
for an enjoyable read. All in all a fun book.
April 3, 2023
New book by IT Sawyer
Very quick read,one day could not put it down.This may be a new series hopefully with as many adventures as his previous series.Count me in to read them all. Thanks Mr. Sawyer.
Very quick read,one day could not put it down.This may be a new series hopefully with as many adventures as his previous series.Count me in to read them all. Thanks Mr. Sawyer.
March 21, 2023
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is the start of a new series and it looks like a winner. The story begins with Nathan Hendrix, aka Nick Mercer, living in a small town in Utah. Nate has been there for around 5 years after he went into hiding from the CIA where he was stationed in South Africa. Things had been quite but now he discovered that an old friend was looking for him. This old friend was looking for payback from Nate for what Drew, the old friend, wanted for something that happened while fleeing South Africa. Drew along with his team were disguised as FBI agents looking to capture Nate.
Nate discovered that he was being followed and knew it was time to leave. He had laid out a plan for what he would do when the time came. Nate started his trek on foot and was checking his surroundings to make sure he wasn’t being followed. As he proceeded he discovered Drew was in the area as well as a woman that he was friends with. This was something that he hadn’t planned on. Drew and his team found Nate’s location and began to try and corner him. Drew believed that the woman would be Nate’s downfall. Meantime the CIA was also in the hunt.
To discover what Nate did that Drew wanted, what tricks Nate had up his sleeve and how this all played out in the end, then you need to read this story. You may even do what I did and read it in one sitting.
This is the start of a new series and it looks like a winner. The story begins with Nathan Hendrix, aka Nick Mercer, living in a small town in Utah. Nate has been there for around 5 years after he went into hiding from the CIA where he was stationed in South Africa. Things had been quite but now he discovered that an old friend was looking for him. This old friend was looking for payback from Nate for what Drew, the old friend, wanted for something that happened while fleeing South Africa. Drew along with his team were disguised as FBI agents looking to capture Nate.
Nate discovered that he was being followed and knew it was time to leave. He had laid out a plan for what he would do when the time came. Nate started his trek on foot and was checking his surroundings to make sure he wasn’t being followed. As he proceeded he discovered Drew was in the area as well as a woman that he was friends with. This was something that he hadn’t planned on. Drew and his team found Nate’s location and began to try and corner him. Drew believed that the woman would be Nate’s downfall. Meantime the CIA was also in the hunt.
To discover what Nate did that Drew wanted, what tricks Nate had up his sleeve and how this all played out in the end, then you need to read this story. You may even do what I did and read it in one sitting.
September 13, 2023
The comparisons to Last of the Breed are warranted. Very trip-oriented characters. Several plot complications that were interwoven well. The authors love of mountaineering and respelling in particular were obvious. A Kahr .380 and. Ruger LC-9 we’re a bit of a stretch even if the welders we’re trying not to use issue or typical firearms from the group/employee/agency. The author loves Dune and that was a huge plus! There was a huge/tactical/common sense lapse at the end that felt forced, it helped the story along but most people duck and take cover when they hear gunshots that kept this from being a five star book for me. Well written, well paced i will be reading the next book in the series. Well done!
March 20, 2024
Action-packed introduction to Nate Hendrix!
Escape and Evade was my introduction to JT Sawyer’ storytelling and his Nate Hendrix series. I’ve had this book I my Kindle Unlimited library for a couple of months and today as I was looking for something to read, I decided it was Escape and Evade’s turn. What an excellent choice, right from the start I was intrigued by the story and as it progressed, I was fully engaged in not just the story, but the characters. The author did an excellent job creating multidimensional characters who all seemed to have character flaws, but at the same time were able to maintain a sense of purpose and in some cases their integrity. Of course, there were a few characters who were not just unlikeable, but made you hope they would find a high-powered round fatally impacting their body parts. The action in this story is nonstop and the intrigue in several instances was unexpected and surprising when it came to light. I added the second and third books of this series to my Kindle Unlimited library and have every intention of reading them immediately.
Escape and Evade was my introduction to JT Sawyer’ storytelling and his Nate Hendrix series. I’ve had this book I my Kindle Unlimited library for a couple of months and today as I was looking for something to read, I decided it was Escape and Evade’s turn. What an excellent choice, right from the start I was intrigued by the story and as it progressed, I was fully engaged in not just the story, but the characters. The author did an excellent job creating multidimensional characters who all seemed to have character flaws, but at the same time were able to maintain a sense of purpose and in some cases their integrity. Of course, there were a few characters who were not just unlikeable, but made you hope they would find a high-powered round fatally impacting their body parts. The action in this story is nonstop and the intrigue in several instances was unexpected and surprising when it came to light. I added the second and third books of this series to my Kindle Unlimited library and have every intention of reading them immediately.
December 14, 2023
I enjoyed reading Escape & Evade by JT Sawyer as it kept me engaged from the very first sentence. Nate Hendrix, a former CIA operative, has been living in Blayne, Utah - population 202 for the last five years. He is well-liked and contributes to the community. All along, he had plans and caches established in the event his past caught up to him and he had to bug out.
Soon, he finds that his cover is blown, and a group of mercenaries, the CIA, FBI, and the local sheriff are all looking for him...some want to help, others want the rare diamonds that he supposedly stole during his final job in Africa.
There are many twists and turns, a love interest, a dog, and routes to follow if he wants to escape the clutches of those following him. Once the chase begins, the story is hard to put down. I did come across some typos along the way but nothing that would deter me from completing the story.
Highly recommended.
Soon, he finds that his cover is blown, and a group of mercenaries, the CIA, FBI, and the local sheriff are all looking for him...some want to help, others want the rare diamonds that he supposedly stole during his final job in Africa.
There are many twists and turns, a love interest, a dog, and routes to follow if he wants to escape the clutches of those following him. Once the chase begins, the story is hard to put down. I did come across some typos along the way but nothing that would deter me from completing the story.
Highly recommended.
June 6, 2025
Good Quick Read but a little Pat
No one should expect fine literature in this genre and my rating is compared to other books of this kind. It would not be a four-star book compared to “War and Peace.” I believe that comparing the books to is peers is more helpful than comparing it to masterpieces.
The book has some interesting twists but — without a spoiler — the author didn’t commit to them before they ever got a chance to spin out. The characters also trust one another (or don’t) pretty quickly avoiding — once again — resolving questions about their motives and loyalty unrealistically quickly.
I also groaned when the characters work out their feelings under a barrage of bullets.
I’ve focused on the problems with the book, perhaps unfairly. Despite its problems, the book is a quick and a fun read that will satisfy any fan of this genre.
No one should expect fine literature in this genre and my rating is compared to other books of this kind. It would not be a four-star book compared to “War and Peace.” I believe that comparing the books to is peers is more helpful than comparing it to masterpieces.
The book has some interesting twists but — without a spoiler — the author didn’t commit to them before they ever got a chance to spin out. The characters also trust one another (or don’t) pretty quickly avoiding — once again — resolving questions about their motives and loyalty unrealistically quickly.
I also groaned when the characters work out their feelings under a barrage of bullets.
I’ve focused on the problems with the book, perhaps unfairly. Despite its problems, the book is a quick and a fun read that will satisfy any fan of this genre.
December 31, 2023
I liked the book it was a good read, and the topic was interesting. I think the character development was good, but I would like to have more background on the fringe players. My only complaint was it was a little slow to start, I was just about ready to quit reading when the action picked up. I am from Utah and spend a lot of time in that area. It was great at the description and detail of the land but none of that built up the story. So, for me it was eh, I am not diving into the next in the series yet. I will read it I am sure but nothing made me feel like losing sleep and jumping immediately into the next book.
April 9, 2023
NICE AND EASY!
I liked the way this story line unfolded…gingerly paced …uncomplicated. Didn’t confuse the reader with multiple entanglements… and most important to me…didn’t KILL the dog, JT avoids an over used cliché…authors set the reader up with characters adoring their pets only to have them quashed by the villain, thus, enraging the reader…”rip that bastard apart!” It works.
Remember the horse scene in the GODFATHER?!? Just say’ Back to you, JT…. Thanks for a well spun story!
I liked the way this story line unfolded…gingerly paced …uncomplicated. Didn’t confuse the reader with multiple entanglements… and most important to me…didn’t KILL the dog, JT avoids an over used cliché…authors set the reader up with characters adoring their pets only to have them quashed by the villain, thus, enraging the reader…”rip that bastard apart!” It works.
Remember the horse scene in the GODFATHER?!? Just say’ Back to you, JT…. Thanks for a well spun story!
December 16, 2023
Escape & Evade
JT Sawyer
I’m auditing an audiobook version Goodreads doesn’t acknowledge as yet. Received as a freebie from the author it took me some time to figure out how to deal with it on the audible app which I am using for the first time on my android tablet.
As the story begins the narrator takes some time to find his stride, I almost gave up on the audition.
The location South and West of Moab Utah is know to me as is slickrock. As usual with ABC Agencies few are who they seem to be.
JT Sawyer
I’m auditing an audiobook version Goodreads doesn’t acknowledge as yet. Received as a freebie from the author it took me some time to figure out how to deal with it on the audible app which I am using for the first time on my android tablet.
As the story begins the narrator takes some time to find his stride, I almost gave up on the audition.
The location South and West of Moab Utah is know to me as is slickrock. As usual with ABC Agencies few are who they seem to be.
February 27, 2025
Another great story by this author. Story is suspenseful, violence, intrigue, many twists and turns plus villains that keep you wondering. I believe only one crude word used.
Strong main and secondary characters that kept me engaged. Story is a nice set up for this new series.
Girl involved and that is part of the story I was shocked to see play out. Lovemaking off page, HEA, no cheating and no cliffhanger.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. I do recommend this author, if this is your genre. (ljb)
Strong main and secondary characters that kept me engaged. Story is a nice set up for this new series.
Girl involved and that is part of the story I was shocked to see play out. Lovemaking off page, HEA, no cheating and no cliffhanger.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. I do recommend this author, if this is your genre. (ljb)
May 8, 2023
Realistic, Entertaining, Thoughtful
I found the character development to be excellent, not too much to give away any "plot developments" but just enough!
There seemed to be "a new addition" to the potential "enemies" at each turn. Just enough to keep me guessing into each new chapter. Hence, I read it in 2 "sittings"! Nice twists and turns keeping my I interest throughout.
I highly recommend this for a couple of afternoons reading. I enjoyed it!!
I found the character development to be excellent, not too much to give away any "plot developments" but just enough!
There seemed to be "a new addition" to the potential "enemies" at each turn. Just enough to keep me guessing into each new chapter. Hence, I read it in 2 "sittings"! Nice twists and turns keeping my I interest throughout.
I highly recommend this for a couple of afternoons reading. I enjoyed it!!
July 7, 2023
I enjoyed the book. The story line was good, but as time wore on and beyond the end, I wondered what he was going to do with his plans to live in the desert. Obviously, he left. Returning in the future? Maybe. Too, I thought Angela was a real Witch with a big B. So, how that all turned out with the pots calling each other black was rather, I felt, stupid. Birds of a feather and all. I loved Luce’s character and she may well be the lead!!!
September 21, 2024
New Character, lots of action.
Most of the authors books are good, with lots of action and this book doesn’t disappoint. Nate is a very good character and Luce is a great partner. The author does a good job of describing and laying the characters out and a better job of the description of the area the story went through. You feel like you are going through the action with Nate. The story plot was well thought out and the characters made it happen. Read and enjoy.
Most of the authors books are good, with lots of action and this book doesn’t disappoint. Nate is a very good character and Luce is a great partner. The author does a good job of describing and laying the characters out and a better job of the description of the area the story went through. You feel like you are going through the action with Nate. The story plot was well thought out and the characters made it happen. Read and enjoy.
March 22, 2023
A superior Men's Adventure novel.
After getting burned in Africa, and betrayed by his own partner, a former CIA agent makes a new life in the Four Corner Country. Unfortunately, his former partner, a CIA snatch and grab team, and Law Enforcement are now on his trail. He's got an escape plan, but will it help him to evade the hunters?
Pretty exciting.
After getting burned in Africa, and betrayed by his own partner, a former CIA agent makes a new life in the Four Corner Country. Unfortunately, his former partner, a CIA snatch and grab team, and Law Enforcement are now on his trail. He's got an escape plan, but will it help him to evade the hunters?
Pretty exciting.
March 1, 2024
Fun, short survival thriller (light humor, minimal gore)
Enjoyable read that kept a good pace. The main character is competent but not unrealistically perfect. Also there isn't a great deal of dumb mistakes that are just used to move the plot forward. Well thought out, subtle, and well written.
Enjoyable read that kept a good pace. The main character is competent but not unrealistically perfect. Also there isn't a great deal of dumb mistakes that are just used to move the plot forward. Well thought out, subtle, and well written.
May 7, 2025
Delightful
I wasn't sure what this story would be about, and I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the location, having a soft spot in my heart for Moab and the surrounding areas. What impressed me the most, though, was the believability of the story — far less fantastic than many in this genre.
I wasn't sure what this story would be about, and I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the location, having a soft spot in my heart for Moab and the surrounding areas. What impressed me the most, though, was the believability of the story — far less fantastic than many in this genre.
June 19, 2025
very interesting !
Dewy was quite the character,as were Luce,Angela and Brins…
I was very happy that Crowe got what he deserved,and surprised that Roahbac and his whole board were blown up..Couldn’t have happened to a nicer person! Funny that Beth and Nate meet on the island with Luce….Great story!!
Dewy was quite the character,as were Luce,Angela and Brins…
I was very happy that Crowe got what he deserved,and surprised that Roahbac and his whole board were blown up..Couldn’t have happened to a nicer person! Funny that Beth and Nate meet on the island with Luce….Great story!!
April 10, 2023
Fast fun read
This is my first read of a book by Sawyer. Overall I liked it. It was a fast read and an engaging story. There were some good twists and turns along the way as well. it's definitely good enough to give book two a read.
This is my first read of a book by Sawyer. Overall I liked it. It was a fast read and an engaging story. There were some good twists and turns along the way as well. it's definitely good enough to give book two a read.
May 2, 2023
Good read
I liked the premise and enjoyed the book. I thought it was a bit too short, but a good read nonetheless. Lots of shooting without all the gory details, not much profanity and no sex scenes.
I liked the premise and enjoyed the book. I thought it was a bit too short, but a good read nonetheless. Lots of shooting without all the gory details, not much profanity and no sex scenes.
May 12, 2023
a quick enjoyable read.
I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It was an adventure packed spy story with bad guys, good guys, southern Utah as a back drop, a female and a dog. I can’t wait to read the next adventure.
I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It was an adventure packed spy story with bad guys, good guys, southern Utah as a back drop, a female and a dog. I can’t wait to read the next adventure.
May 26, 2023
Escape and evade
Really good story and suspense revealed in a riveting tale of intrigue and action without a lot of philosophical gobbledygook so popular in many of the offerings of today. I will look for other offerings by this author as I feel this was not a fluke.
Really good story and suspense revealed in a riveting tale of intrigue and action without a lot of philosophical gobbledygook so popular in many of the offerings of today. I will look for other offerings by this author as I feel this was not a fluke.
May 30, 2023
What a good book!
Yah I loved this book it was the first one I read from this author I got to say if I find anymore about this couple I sure will read them if you are looking for a new author give JT Sawyer a try!
Yah I loved this book it was the first one I read from this author I got to say if I find anymore about this couple I sure will read them if you are looking for a new author give JT Sawyer a try!
July 17, 2023
A real page turner
Another great story with plenty of action and intrigue. The plot is solid and the fast-paced adventure keeps the pages turning. A wonderful series with more to come, I hope!
Another great story with plenty of action and intrigue. The plot is solid and the fast-paced adventure keeps the pages turning. A wonderful series with more to come, I hope!
September 9, 2023
Right Into Action
This book gets to the action quickly and doesn’t let up. The plot isn’t too complicated - this isn’t a big ‘save the world’ novel - but there are enough surprises to keep you guessing. You’ll get added context if you’ve read Sawyer’s other series first.
This book gets to the action quickly and doesn’t let up. The plot isn’t too complicated - this isn’t a big ‘save the world’ novel - but there are enough surprises to keep you guessing. You’ll get added context if you’ve read Sawyer’s other series first.
November 10, 2023
JT Writes a great yarn!
This story started off well and continued to be a good read. Maybe a little too much black and white eventually, but a very entertaining story. Looking forward to more about this pair.
This story started off well and continued to be a good read. Maybe a little too much black and white eventually, but a very entertaining story. Looking forward to more about this pair.
November 25, 2023
Great S.E.R.E. Thriller
A great read for anyone interested in S.E.R.E. ( Survival, Evasion, Resistance,and Escape) it was a riveting story that held your attention. Read on two days, was hard to put down. Ordered Another from this Author
A great read for anyone interested in S.E.R.E. ( Survival, Evasion, Resistance,and Escape) it was a riveting story that held your attention. Read on two days, was hard to put down. Ordered Another from this Author
December 13, 2023
Escape & Evade -
This was a good read though it did contain a great deal of the tougest guy on the planet scenarios. Its saving grace was that the main character had flaws and seemed almost human.
This was a good read though it did contain a great deal of the tougest guy on the planet scenarios. Its saving grace was that the main character had flaws and seemed almost human.
January 3, 2024
An a adventure that is the title.
The story is about how to survive and thrive and at the same time detailing the wild country in New Mexico. This is how l remember the area. Excellent read.
The story is about how to survive and thrive and at the same time detailing the wild country in New Mexico. This is how l remember the area. Excellent read.
June 9, 2024
A great start for a JT Sawyer adventure!
This story has a lot of similar story lines as some of it's previous books, but it was still very interesting and action filled at every stage
This story has a lot of similar story lines as some of it's previous books, but it was still very interesting and action filled at every stage
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews