Pressed

The Kurt Vetter Trilogy, #2

by William Esmont

Reeling from the aftermath of a rogue CIA plot to destroy Moscow, the United States is caught unprepared when foreign hackers launch a cyber-attack on the Strategic Early Warning System. With the CIA in shambles, the President turns to ex-intelligence analyst Kurt Vetter and his mysterious partner Amanda Carter to hunt down the hackers and bring them to justice.

Little do they know this is the easy part...

Genres: Fiction, Thriller

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2011

About the author

William Esmont lives in Tucson, Arizona.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full Disclosure: Goodreads giveaway winner

I like thrillers, and enjoyed this story - but it seemed rushed. Yes, it's a short read, but it seemed that it just zipped along too fast. I got the characters quickly, and there was development, at least of the main characters, but I also wonder if I would have understood them better had I read the first book also.

Within the story, my only criticism is that I got the impression that Vetter had lost his wife quite recently, and even more recently returned from a self-imposed exile of grief. With that it mind, it seemed he was really rushing into a new relationship and that did not come across as authentic. It seemed more because the author wanted to insert something sexy than that it was true to the character. Maybe that's just me.

If you like thrillers, I recommend it.

[Ricki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second in the series and as Kurt & Amanda are being awarded presidential medals in the Oval, a security breach of the national defense system finds them evacuated with the president to a secure location. Turns out Moscow has the ability to hack into their systems from blackmailing citizens for the program of how to do it.

Turns out the nuke they thought they found from the first in the series was a dummy and the real one was still out there. Kurt/Amanda are again tasked with saving the day.

Another average action thriller, Kurt seems to be the thinker and Amanda the action person. Again just an ok read.

[Doug Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pressed is the second book in the series starting right where Patriot Paradox ended. Kurt and Amanda with the President being recognized for there efforts when the strategic early warning system indicates a national emergency and they are wisked away with the President to the national emergency bunker at Mount Weather (this is where Patriot Paradox ends). It is soon learned that the system had been hacked and with the CIA in disarray Kurt and Amanda with the help of Darlene Foster from the National Security Administration are asked to lead the efforts to find the hackers. What they soon learn is that there is actually a nuclear threat that they must also address. Thngs quickly become more complicated. I loved Patriot Paradox and truly enjoyed this book as well. The characters are well developed - I really like the characters of Kurt, Amanda, and Dominic. The storyline is interesting and action packed (reminds me a bit of the action in the TV series 24). The author really makes you feel part of the story. The book is quite short and the author tries very hard to provide enough background information to allow it to standalone or at least allow the reader to get back into the story but it makes the reading a bit disjointed at times and I would have found it very hard to follow with out reading the first book in the series. Readers really need to read Patriot Paradox first. I must also admit that I was a bit disappointed with the ending but it is set up for the next book in the series. I look forward to reading more. This series is a quick, easy read that should not be missed.

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is action packed and there is a lot of things happening. There's a cyber attack that concerns the National Security. While trying to solve the crisis of the 'hacking', Kurt, along with a couple of other people realise that there's a nuclear threat involved too. The plot thickens.

This is a fast paced action thriller that has you from the word go and the well developed characters and a strong plot really keeps you engrossed in the Novel. However, after all that build up, I found the ending to be a tad bit disappointing.

Since I haven't read the first book in the series and there were quite a bit of reference of it here - it took me some time to catch up. A lot of spoilers really - but I am sure I would still love to go back & read the first book in the series.





I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Bill Thibadeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a freebie in exchange for a review. I just completed the book (in 2 days) and am complying with the author's request.

I am happy to provide a review of this fast paced thriller. This book is along the lines of Daniel Silva, Tom Clancy, etc. The story is multifaceted and the author does an excellent job of keeping the reader properly positioned in the story. I found the story to be engrossing (hence the short duration to complete the read) even though there were some spoilers of the prequel which I have not yet read but will when I can find an epub version.

The characters were clearly developed and allowed me to identify with them irrespective of whether they were good or bad.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys mysteries, thrillers, intrigue, etc.

[Quentin Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great follow up to the first in the series Patriot Paradox. Pressed picks up where the first book left off with the heroes being received in the White House. From here they are thrust into a new investigation of how and why the US defense system has been broken into. In tracking down the people who were part of this cyber attack they come to realize that maybe they need to go back and look at the end of the case in the first book.

A very fast pace and interesting book. It stands alone, but I would recommend the reading of The Patriot Paradox first. I look to follow up stories with the same characters. The characters are interesting and you will find yourself rooting for them A very successful book and an interesting series.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book I would normally pick up to read, so when I received it in the mail I was kind of leery about reading it. But, let me tell you, it starts out with a bang and keeps going. I was totally involved in it and finished the day I started it. I am going to definitely look for more from this author and though this is Book 2 of the Reluctant Hero Series I found it stands alone just fine..(though I am GOING to go get that book now!!) Thank you Good Reads for the chance to find a new genre of book and a great author! Keep up the good work William Esmont!
I received this book from Goodreads.com.

[Zoey42 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I haven't read the first book in the 'Reluctant Hero Series', I immersed myself in the book immediately. 'Pressed' is an action-packed page-turner. There are rather short chapters and more characters that only add the thrill. Kurt and Amanda are both very likeable characters as well as the others. Despite the very sophisticated plot, the reader doesn't get confused. So I definitely recommend this book :)


* I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Nikki E. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite honestly this wasn't hard to follow and seemed rather basic for what the author seemed to be attempting. I know that this is the 2nd book but it probably could have stood alone and been about the same.

The story seemed rather thrown together and everything was rather rushed. One second you have some people on a helicopter and then you have bam! the 2 main characters are all over each over. Even then main plot was rushed and seemed rather simplistic over all.

[Susan Jo Grassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild ride! So happy I won this book through GR. I have really enjoyed reading this one and the first in the series. Mr. Esmont knows how to capture his readers and have them begging for more at the end. By the way, when is the next in this series coming out? Hope I don't have to wait for long.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The adventure in Pressed is nonstop from the very beginning. Main characters that are likable, exciting action, and high-stakes events make this a can't-put-it-down read. If you like fast-paced spy novels, you will enjoy this novel.

[Lennon Starkweather · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an enjoyable read

Some chapters you can put the book down, others you get bored and want to stop reading. It has some good plots but it does have a hard time staying on point. But it is a good read for those who want a good conspiracy.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read with one slight glitch. Early on a Navy Lieutenant gets demoted to Sergeant in the space of a couple of paragraphs. A bit of editing oversight?

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Couldn't put it down.

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!

[Kevin Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well placed

For a low rent Jack Ryan type thriller, well done.

Good book to follow the opener.

Well worth the price.

[Karen Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed the book very much-received the book in the giveaway thank you