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The Spy Game #2
Target Two
“Thriller writing at its best... A gripping story that's hard to put down.”
--Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (re Any Means Necessary)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“One of the best thrillers I have read this year. The plot is intelligent and will keep you hooked from the beginning. The author did a superb job creating a set of characters who are fully developed and very much enjoyable. I can hardly wait for the sequel.”
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Any Means Necessary)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From #1 bestselling and USA Today bestselling author Jack Mars, author of the critically acclaimed Luke Stone and Agent Zero series (with over 5,000 five-star reviews), comes an explosive new action-packed espionage series that takes readers on a wild ride across Europe, America, and the world.
Jacob Snow—elite soldier-turned-CIA agent, haunted by his tortured past—is one of the CIA’s greatest assets. When a terrorist group sets its eyes on the greatest archeological treasure of the holiest city, Jacob, dispatched, knows he has little time to reach Jerusalem before it sparks an international war.
Jacob knows, even more, that he cannot solve the case without partnering with the mysterious archeologist he hopes to not fall in love with.
As they spring into action to decode the ancient riddles and stop them, they soon realize the plot goes deeper than they could have imagined. With the fate of the world in the balance, they may just be out of time.
An unputdownable action thriller with heart-pounding suspense and unforeseen twists, TARGET TWO is the debut novel in an exhilarating new series by a #1 bestselling author that will make you fall in love with a brand-new action hero—and keep you turning pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Daniel Silva and Jack Carr.
Books #3-#6 in the series are now also available.
--Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (re Any Means Necessary)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“One of the best thrillers I have read this year. The plot is intelligent and will keep you hooked from the beginning. The author did a superb job creating a set of characters who are fully developed and very much enjoyable. I can hardly wait for the sequel.”
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Any Means Necessary)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From #1 bestselling and USA Today bestselling author Jack Mars, author of the critically acclaimed Luke Stone and Agent Zero series (with over 5,000 five-star reviews), comes an explosive new action-packed espionage series that takes readers on a wild ride across Europe, America, and the world.
Jacob Snow—elite soldier-turned-CIA agent, haunted by his tortured past—is one of the CIA’s greatest assets. When a terrorist group sets its eyes on the greatest archeological treasure of the holiest city, Jacob, dispatched, knows he has little time to reach Jerusalem before it sparks an international war.
Jacob knows, even more, that he cannot solve the case without partnering with the mysterious archeologist he hopes to not fall in love with.
As they spring into action to decode the ancient riddles and stop them, they soon realize the plot goes deeper than they could have imagined. With the fate of the world in the balance, they may just be out of time.
An unputdownable action thriller with heart-pounding suspense and unforeseen twists, TARGET TWO is the debut novel in an exhilarating new series by a #1 bestselling author that will make you fall in love with a brand-new action hero—and keep you turning pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Daniel Silva and Jack Carr.
Books #3-#6 in the series are now also available.
167 pages, Paperback
Published December 15, 2022
437 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Jack Mars
337 books656 followersJack Mars is author of the bestselling LUKE STONE thriller series, which include the suspense thrillers ANY MEANS NECESSARY (book #1), OATH OF OFFICE (book #2) and SITUATION ROOM (book #3).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 9, 2023
For an audio book it went well and easy listening.
May 29, 2023
The second in the series featuring protagonist Jacob Snow written by Jack Mars is yet another nail-biting thriller. The elite soldier turned CIA agent, haunted by his torturous past is now the CIA’s best and he has proven to be valuable after the debacle at the Suez Canal. With Jana, the archeologist beside him in these assignments, he has been successful in deciphering the delicate historical clues that would otherwise have caused a global catastrophe. Over these two books, Jacob’s past is slowly revealed and the circumstances of having taken that lethal action when he opened fire on his comrades in the army and subsequently endured is well presented.
In this anecdote, a terrorist group has set its eyes on one of the greatest archeological treasures in the holy city of Jerusalem. A visiting Theologian professor is kidnapped, tortured, and later killed for information about this artifact. The terror group is always a step ahead of Jacob and at the same time, they have their tabs on him and Jana to unlock the clues from the first treasure to go to the next. As Jacob Snow and Jana Peters begin to decode the puzzle at each stage in an attempt to prevent the terrorist from reaching the location of the next clue, they find themselves slipping into a quicksand of a much bigger plot, and if they do not race against time to stop the terrorist's actions, it may be too late for the world to be a better place to live in.
Technically, the plot is straightforward and very focused on a cat-and-mouse chase to prevent a global meltdown. They are few characters and therefore, it is easy to keep track of all of them as the plot progresses. The book is full of action from the very onset and that’s what will keep this kind of genre lovers glued to their seats. The story is all about one man show with no logistical support from his offices, often getting injured on several occasions and yet lucky enough to hang on to his life. The two books in the series so far (out of the six) are not very long plots and therefore, could be read in a few sittings or even hours on a flight. By the end of this plot, some interesting details are revealed about both Jacob’s past and Jana Peters's father Aaron, who himself was a decorated CIA agent of his time.
Overall an entertaining read and looking forward to the third book in the SPY GAME series.
In this anecdote, a terrorist group has set its eyes on one of the greatest archeological treasures in the holy city of Jerusalem. A visiting Theologian professor is kidnapped, tortured, and later killed for information about this artifact. The terror group is always a step ahead of Jacob and at the same time, they have their tabs on him and Jana to unlock the clues from the first treasure to go to the next. As Jacob Snow and Jana Peters begin to decode the puzzle at each stage in an attempt to prevent the terrorist from reaching the location of the next clue, they find themselves slipping into a quicksand of a much bigger plot, and if they do not race against time to stop the terrorist's actions, it may be too late for the world to be a better place to live in.
Technically, the plot is straightforward and very focused on a cat-and-mouse chase to prevent a global meltdown. They are few characters and therefore, it is easy to keep track of all of them as the plot progresses. The book is full of action from the very onset and that’s what will keep this kind of genre lovers glued to their seats. The story is all about one man show with no logistical support from his offices, often getting injured on several occasions and yet lucky enough to hang on to his life. The two books in the series so far (out of the six) are not very long plots and therefore, could be read in a few sittings or even hours on a flight. By the end of this plot, some interesting details are revealed about both Jacob’s past and Jana Peters's father Aaron, who himself was a decorated CIA agent of his time.
Overall an entertaining read and looking forward to the third book in the SPY GAME series.
March 25, 2024
Jacob Snow is off the Israel to stop a terrorist group from destroying an ancient artifact
February 5, 2025
A great story about espionage and the CIA.
February 19, 2023
I've become a fan of Jack Mars and he is definitely expanding the number of series that he is putting out. While this is only the second book in this particular series, it is a bit distinctive on its own.
This is still a CIA type thriller, but it is not as...I guess the words would be as "in depth" as some of the other things he writes. I don't mean that in a bad way at all. This series has shorter length books and they are a bit more superficial and quicker resolved.
They also revolve around two main MC's. The female MC is a non-CIA type. In fact, she is an archeologist whose father was a very famous CIA agent who is considered MIA. The male MC is a former military man who was actually rescued and saved by the female MC's father in a very odd and difficult situation.
The series so far has been dealing with the male MC - Jacob Snow - handling terrorist threats in the Middle East. That is how the two MC's find each other. She - of course - has the knowledge of history and specializes in that particular geographical area.
Realistically, the believability factor has to just be thrown out the window. I mean, he is a complete SOLO agent who never seems to have back up and she is an archeologist, but is able to keep up with Jacob and defeat the bad guys...many, many bad guys....quite often.
With that being said, if you go into this series just for the entertainment factor, you will leave satisfied. It is a great way to spend a couple of hours in a story that wraps up the story arc fairly quickly in a satisfactory manner with the good guys coming out on top.
Sometimes that is just what we need.
This is still a CIA type thriller, but it is not as...I guess the words would be as "in depth" as some of the other things he writes. I don't mean that in a bad way at all. This series has shorter length books and they are a bit more superficial and quicker resolved.
They also revolve around two main MC's. The female MC is a non-CIA type. In fact, she is an archeologist whose father was a very famous CIA agent who is considered MIA. The male MC is a former military man who was actually rescued and saved by the female MC's father in a very odd and difficult situation.
The series so far has been dealing with the male MC - Jacob Snow - handling terrorist threats in the Middle East. That is how the two MC's find each other. She - of course - has the knowledge of history and specializes in that particular geographical area.
Realistically, the believability factor has to just be thrown out the window. I mean, he is a complete SOLO agent who never seems to have back up and she is an archeologist, but is able to keep up with Jacob and defeat the bad guys...many, many bad guys....quite often.
With that being said, if you go into this series just for the entertainment factor, you will leave satisfied. It is a great way to spend a couple of hours in a story that wraps up the story arc fairly quickly in a satisfactory manner with the good guys coming out on top.
Sometimes that is just what we need.
March 28, 2023
Light entertainment
Not the greatest, but certainly not the worst, a solid average
If you like the Andy McDermott books you will enjoy these the similarities are extensive although a lot less fat fetched, so it has that going for it
The 2 main characters are still in the will they, won't they phase. Jacob is still blissfully unaware of the sub plot and the sub plotters only ever appear in the last chapter
It's good enough and worth continuing with
Not the greatest, but certainly not the worst, a solid average
If you like the Andy McDermott books you will enjoy these the similarities are extensive although a lot less fat fetched, so it has that going for it
The 2 main characters are still in the will they, won't they phase. Jacob is still blissfully unaware of the sub plot and the sub plotters only ever appear in the last chapter
It's good enough and worth continuing with
January 3, 2023
You won't be able to put it down!
Jack Mars is without a doubt one of my top 3 favorite authors. He weaves an incredible story filled with intrigue, suspense, mystery, and a touch of budding romance. I really like this new character, Jacob Snow, because he's not portrayed as super human but instead a regular man that gets injured and has gotten very lucky on several occasions. Once you pick up this book, or any Jack Mars book, you won't be able to put it down!
Jack Mars is without a doubt one of my top 3 favorite authors. He weaves an incredible story filled with intrigue, suspense, mystery, and a touch of budding romance. I really like this new character, Jacob Snow, because he's not portrayed as super human but instead a regular man that gets injured and has gotten very lucky on several occasions. Once you pick up this book, or any Jack Mars book, you won't be able to put it down!
November 18, 2023
An action-filled adventure with a well written plot and an clear and practiced narration. Enjoyable.
March 17, 2024
I enjoy reading Jack Mars’ books as his books are easy to understand. I have read “Agent Zero” and I received “Target Two” at no cost, for which I was grateful. I enjoyed reading “Target Two” as it was a short adventure story with lots of action. I am not really into Archaeology, but I knew about the legend of the Arc of the Covenant, and I skipped those descriptive passages about Archaeology.
Jacob Snow, a CIA Agent, and his partner in adventure, Jana Peters, an Archaeologist, travel to Israel to thwart some neo-Nazis who thought the Arc of the Covenant was buried in tunnels under the Temple Mount. This venture by the terrorists could incite world unrest.
With lots of action and suspense, they managed to prevent this from happening, with only a few injuries from Jacob Snow this time around.
This book is good for anyone liking shooting-up action and it is entertaining to read. Of course, there is a cliffhanger at the end of the book to tempt you to purchase the next one in the series.
Jacob Snow, a CIA Agent, and his partner in adventure, Jana Peters, an Archaeologist, travel to Israel to thwart some neo-Nazis who thought the Arc of the Covenant was buried in tunnels under the Temple Mount. This venture by the terrorists could incite world unrest.
With lots of action and suspense, they managed to prevent this from happening, with only a few injuries from Jacob Snow this time around.
This book is good for anyone liking shooting-up action and it is entertaining to read. Of course, there is a cliffhanger at the end of the book to tempt you to purchase the next one in the series.
July 7, 2024
Spoiler Notes
Target Two by Jack Mars (12/22)
[The Spy Game - 2] (C- N/A) [7-07-24]
Hoopla Combo Book and Audible
Audible: Logan Harper, Good
Jacob Snow (mid-30s)
CIA Agent - Middle East
Multilingual Speaks:
Arabic - Urdu - German - Hebrew - Others Yet To Be Revealed
CIA Agent Aaron Peters - Jacob’s Mentor
Many Years Presumed Dead - But this book puts doubt on that.
Dr. Jana Peters - University based Archaeologist
She began this series with hatred of all things and people associated with the CIA.
She has Daddy issues, didn’t act as immature in this book as in Target On.
The evildoers were Nazis mainly after the Rod of Aaron believed to be buried in the tunnels under Mount Sermon in Jerusalem along with the Ark of the Covenant.
Carl Bryson - American Nazi
Ole Larsson - Norwegian Nazi
Believe they and their followers were killed when Jacob set off an explosion in the tunnel.
I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series. Characters are introduced but not enough nformation to know what they are about.
Alpha One
Gamma Two
Target Two by Jack Mars (12/22)
[The Spy Game - 2] (C- N/A) [7-07-24]
Hoopla Combo Book and Audible
Audible: Logan Harper, Good
Jacob Snow (mid-30s)
CIA Agent - Middle East
Multilingual Speaks:
Arabic - Urdu - German - Hebrew - Others Yet To Be Revealed
CIA Agent Aaron Peters - Jacob’s Mentor
Many Years Presumed Dead - But this book puts doubt on that.
Dr. Jana Peters - University based Archaeologist
She began this series with hatred of all things and people associated with the CIA.
She has Daddy issues, didn’t act as immature in this book as in Target On.
The evildoers were Nazis mainly after the Rod of Aaron believed to be buried in the tunnels under Mount Sermon in Jerusalem along with the Ark of the Covenant.
Carl Bryson - American Nazi
Ole Larsson - Norwegian Nazi
Believe they and their followers were killed when Jacob set off an explosion in the tunnel.
I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series. Characters are introduced but not enough nformation to know what they are about.
Alpha One
Gamma Two
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2023
As in Target One, Jacob Snow is no Agent Zero. He's a spy for the CIA and heads to wherever he's sent & usually runs into Archeologist Jana on some adventure that includes heading off a disaster.
In this case, some Nazi wannabees are after the Ark of the Covenant they believe is buried in tunnels under the Temple Mount in Isreal and are planning to blow it up. How is it no one has found this in hundreds of years. How is it we are left hanging as to what happens to the Ark after it is found?
Jana is still billed as having been trained by her CIA Dad in some self defense which as in the first book is odd since he was gone most of her life. This book has a background story of another group that is trailing Jacob/Jana convinced that her father is not dead- it's only a few paragraphs but kind of throws off this story as it is just thrown in.
In this case, some Nazi wannabees are after the Ark of the Covenant they believe is buried in tunnels under the Temple Mount in Isreal and are planning to blow it up. How is it no one has found this in hundreds of years. How is it we are left hanging as to what happens to the Ark after it is found?
Jana is still billed as having been trained by her CIA Dad in some self defense which as in the first book is odd since he was gone most of her life. This book has a background story of another group that is trailing Jacob/Jana convinced that her father is not dead- it's only a few paragraphs but kind of throws off this story as it is just thrown in.
January 8, 2024
Everything I said about book one applies here. Although, I did enjoy the modern take on Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.
I really enjoyed the character development here. The relationship between Jana and Jacob feels very natural, not forced. I think it's evident they'll end up in some kind of romantic thing together, but the nature of their relationship at this point could be too volatile, so I wouldn't be surprised if they both longed for something more but it never comes.
I really enjoyed the character development here. The relationship between Jana and Jacob feels very natural, not forced. I think it's evident they'll end up in some kind of romantic thing together, but the nature of their relationship at this point could be too volatile, so I wouldn't be surprised if they both longed for something more but it never comes.
January 11, 2024
Indy meets Jana
A riveting adventure through North Africa and the Middle East. While trying to save the world, our hero (whatever his real name is) is falling for the one person he should not crave. What is next for our dare devil and the courageous archeologist? And who is the evil Alpha One? Maybe we'll find out in the Third Target. Maybe not. A definite must read from Jack Mars!
A riveting adventure through North Africa and the Middle East. While trying to save the world, our hero (whatever his real name is) is falling for the one person he should not crave. What is next for our dare devil and the courageous archeologist? And who is the evil Alpha One? Maybe we'll find out in the Third Target. Maybe not. A definite must read from Jack Mars!
February 11, 2024
'Target Two' was thrilling. The riveting plot was filled with an assassination attempt, intrigue, suspense, secrets, tension, action, bits of hilarity, and an aha moment. Jacob and Jana, the protagonists, worked well together and intimated a possible budding relationship; however, it may not come to fruition because brutal battles ensued whenever and wherever they converged. Overall, I liked the energetic narrative.
September 12, 2024
Action Plus
There was a lot of action everywhere Jacob went. Body count was very high when he got started. The story line was good, just a little slow in some parts. The author mixed in some history in the story that made it more real. The shadow group mentioned in a couple of chapters didn’t help the story any with names like Alpha One, Delta Four, or Gamma One. Those names go with low budget movie’s or books.
There was a lot of action everywhere Jacob went. Body count was very high when he got started. The story line was good, just a little slow in some parts. The author mixed in some history in the story that made it more real. The shadow group mentioned in a couple of chapters didn’t help the story any with names like Alpha One, Delta Four, or Gamma One. Those names go with low budget movie’s or books.
December 17, 2022
Target Two is a bullseye of a read!
Jacob Snow and Jana Peters are back again and knee deep in danger as they race to stop an ancient relic from being found in the holy land by neo Nazis. The action is non-stop and we get more character depth to our heroes. Not to be missed! Bring on book 3!
Jacob Snow and Jana Peters are back again and knee deep in danger as they race to stop an ancient relic from being found in the holy land by neo Nazis. The action is non-stop and we get more character depth to our heroes. Not to be missed! Bring on book 3!
February 24, 2024
After the huge success of the Jack Ryan books, every author has a version of that character.
This one, was so far, one of the worst.
The main character feels forced and so laidback that doesn’t interest me much.
Unfortunately, I bought a few of these on Chirp and eventually I guess I’ll have to listen to them.
This one, was so far, one of the worst.
The main character feels forced and so laidback that doesn’t interest me much.
Unfortunately, I bought a few of these on Chirp and eventually I guess I’ll have to listen to them.
March 16, 2024
In a world of secrets, power struggles and espionage, information can be your strength of enemy.
Janna and Jacob continue their distant relationship of racing the threat of international criminals. The stakes involve too many lives to take personal safety into account. Great story line!
Janna and Jacob continue their distant relationship of racing the threat of international criminals. The stakes involve too many lives to take personal safety into account. Great story line!
December 12, 2022
Arm of the Covenant
This action packed novel uncovers mysteries at every turn. I liked the action and real life scenarios but got lost in so.e of the twists and turns. Would recommend to readers who suspect Old Jerusalem contains more than we know
This action packed novel uncovers mysteries at every turn. I liked the action and real life scenarios but got lost in so.e of the twists and turns. Would recommend to readers who suspect Old Jerusalem contains more than we know
December 14, 2022
The second adventure with Jacob Strong and Jana Peters. Another page turner, as this time they hunt terrorists who want to attack one of the holiest places in the world, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
A very entertaining new series by Jack Mars. I'm looking forward to further adventures.
A very entertaining new series by Jack Mars. I'm looking forward to further adventures.
January 17, 2024
Well written, fast paced and likeable characters. Not my favorite genre (not big on archeological adventures) but there was excitement and there was suspense and there were plenty of bad guys. I rate this one 4.5 stars.
January 19, 2024
Weak 3-star rating
A mixture of Vince Flynn and Indiana Jones
Don’t expect to continue the series
Not recommended
Like the author, but not the series
Not a clean finish, but a segue into the next book in the series
A mixture of Vince Flynn and Indiana Jones
Don’t expect to continue the series
Not recommended
Like the author, but not the series
Not a clean finish, but a segue into the next book in the series
February 25, 2024
An interesting cliffhanger
Jacob and Jana are interesting characters as are others in this tale of intrigue. A touch of humor amid the murder and mayhem was good. I don't like cliffhangers so not sure if I will read more of this series.
Jacob and Jana are interesting characters as are others in this tale of intrigue. A touch of humor amid the murder and mayhem was good. I don't like cliffhangers so not sure if I will read more of this series.
March 2, 2024
Again middle of the Road storyline is a bit unbelievable how the archaeologist, the daughter of a CIA agent would be tagging along on the missions oh and happens to be fully weapon-trained will see where Book 3 will take this..
October 25, 2024
Enjoyable series
Just loving this series. It's fast paced and full of action. The interweaving of archaeology is always fascinating to me and adds that little extra to the story. Great characters.
Just loving this series. It's fast paced and full of action. The interweaving of archaeology is always fascinating to me and adds that little extra to the story. Great characters.
January 19, 2025
Plenty of action
Unfortunately, it's the comic book, teenager fantasy kind: neo-nazis, Islamic fanatics, a hero who's worth a platoon of Marines, occasionally injured but never severely...
Unfortunately, it's the comic book, teenager fantasy kind: neo-nazis, Islamic fanatics, a hero who's worth a platoon of Marines, occasionally injured but never severely...
July 29, 2025
story woven well
I like a bit of history in books of fiction. It helps keeping the reader engaged and turning pages. This was an easy read but it doesn’t end. I for one will read three in a series and move on to another author.
I like a bit of history in books of fiction. It helps keeping the reader engaged and turning pages. This was an easy read but it doesn’t end. I for one will read three in a series and move on to another author.
July 29, 2025
Get it. Read it.
I truly found the story quite unstoppable. It moved with excitement and rather believable steps. That was its impact, however! The entire scene remains highly impossible to me not merely improbable. Yet it’s still a great read.
I truly found the story quite unstoppable. It moved with excitement and rather believable steps. That was its impact, however! The entire scene remains highly impossible to me not merely improbable. Yet it’s still a great read.
August 3, 2025
Great book
Once again Jack Mars has penned a thrilling action packed adventure. The characters are well crafted and the plot will pull the reader in and keep them up late turning pages.
Once again Jack Mars has penned a thrilling action packed adventure. The characters are well crafted and the plot will pull the reader in and keep them up late turning pages.
October 2, 2025
Pray this doesn't happen
Totally absorbed in this thriller. Excellent description of the Temple & then some. I almost cried when they detonated the first bomb. All religions should be on guard for this holiest of places so nothing of this sort happens.
Totally absorbed in this thriller. Excellent description of the Temple & then some. I almost cried when they detonated the first bomb. All religions should be on guard for this holiest of places so nothing of this sort happens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews