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Michael Chase #2
Blown Circuit (A Michael Chase Thriller) (Volume 2) by Lars Guignard
From the bestselling author of Lethal Circuit comes the long-awaited sequel, BLOWN CIRCUIT.Michael Chase is back. He survived China. Barely.But now he's got bigger problems.He has enemies. Deadly enemies.A pair of coordinates broadcast on an obscure frequency have brought Michael to Istanbul, Turkey where credible chatter has emerged that a terrorist group plans to use a devastating device to hold the world hostage.Designed by Nikola Tesla, arguably the greatest inventor of the Twentieth Century, the device is experimental, it is capable, and it has been missing for almost sixty years.If Michael is to prevent a catastrophe, he'll need to get to the device before the Conspiracy or risk upsetting the global balance of power forever. Of course, finding the Tesla Device is one thing, knowing whom he can trust with it is another matter entirely. If Michael is to survive, he'll have to do both. If he doesn't, what started as a bad day is about to become a disaster.
Paperback
First published December 12, 2012
32 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
Lars Guignard
10 books405 followersLars Guignard is the author of the bestselling Zoe & Zak Adventure series and the Circuit series of novels.
Ever since attending high school in the Indian Himalayas, Lars has been an avid backpacker and traveler. After a stint spent circling the globe, he settled down long enough to attend the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. He then went on to work as screenwriter in the film and television industry.
After way too much California sunshine, Lars moved to the Pacific Northwest where he now devotes his time to getting rained on and writing books.
Lars can be contacted at his website (www.larsguignard.com) He would love to hear from you.
Ever since attending high school in the Indian Himalayas, Lars has been an avid backpacker and traveler. After a stint spent circling the globe, he settled down long enough to attend the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. He then went on to work as screenwriter in the film and television industry.
After way too much California sunshine, Lars moved to the Pacific Northwest where he now devotes his time to getting rained on and writing books.
Lars can be contacted at his website (www.larsguignard.com) He would love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 3, 2014
3.5
*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Michael Chase is a reluctant spy for the CIA. All he wants is to find his dad, but trying to locate him in China turned into a whole other mission that he barely survived. Now, credible intel puts his dad in Turkey, so Michael heads there with hopes of finally finding him. Instead, he comes up empty except for a few obscure clues and yet another mission to save the world from bad things. Will he survive this time, too? And will he finally find his father?
This is an exciting scavenger hunt and a race to find the pieces to the Tesla device before the bad guys do. The race is heart pounding, the clues mysterious and Michael has no idea who to trust. It’s an enjoyable thrilling ride. However…Michael is just too knowledgeable about everything. He knows every kind of weapon, boat, ship, vehicle, helicopter and just about every fact from ancient history to the present in every subject under the sun. Ok, maybe he doesn’t know everything, but it sure seems that way. It gets to be tedious listening when everything is explained in painstaking detail and it slows the pace of the story down. Also, for a rookie agent he has an incredible amount of good luck. Now, some people are just that way, lucky in most things they do. But I find it hard to believe that the bad guys are such terrible shots. Did they learn from the A-Team or the Storm Trooper School of Firearms? Just sayin’. All-in-all though this thriller has a decent plot and several twists to keep the reader guessing.
The narration for this story is pretty good except for a tendency of the narrator to sometimes drag out the end of a sentence. It sounded weird. Other than that I give the narration a thumbs up.
*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Michael Chase is a reluctant spy for the CIA. All he wants is to find his dad, but trying to locate him in China turned into a whole other mission that he barely survived. Now, credible intel puts his dad in Turkey, so Michael heads there with hopes of finally finding him. Instead, he comes up empty except for a few obscure clues and yet another mission to save the world from bad things. Will he survive this time, too? And will he finally find his father?
This is an exciting scavenger hunt and a race to find the pieces to the Tesla device before the bad guys do. The race is heart pounding, the clues mysterious and Michael has no idea who to trust. It’s an enjoyable thrilling ride. However…Michael is just too knowledgeable about everything. He knows every kind of weapon, boat, ship, vehicle, helicopter and just about every fact from ancient history to the present in every subject under the sun. Ok, maybe he doesn’t know everything, but it sure seems that way. It gets to be tedious listening when everything is explained in painstaking detail and it slows the pace of the story down. Also, for a rookie agent he has an incredible amount of good luck. Now, some people are just that way, lucky in most things they do. But I find it hard to believe that the bad guys are such terrible shots. Did they learn from the A-Team or the Storm Trooper School of Firearms? Just sayin’. All-in-all though this thriller has a decent plot and several twists to keep the reader guessing.
The narration for this story is pretty good except for a tendency of the narrator to sometimes drag out the end of a sentence. It sounded weird. Other than that I give the narration a thumbs up.
April 30, 2014
After receiving coordinates from his father, Michael goes to Istanbul to check it out and see if he can find his father and free him from whoever has kidnapped him. But it's not as simple as it seems and he finds himself in the middle of a situation where he has to help terrorists to find Tesla device that could destroy millions of people. The only problem is who Michael can actually trust and who is there only for the money.
Wow. Lars definitely did it again! I absolutely loved the first book in Michael Chase series but find Blown Circuit to be his best work yet. With amazing writing, he brings to life more adventures and dangerous situations where Michael can find himself out of with his incredible mind. Every situation is so descriptive, the reader finds himself caught in the middle of it, not being able to put this book down.
Audiobook Notes: Amazing performance by Russell Jonas! I could not have picked a more perfect narrator for Michael Chase story and definitely think that he brings a lot to the table with his voice. Sometimes narrators tend to overlook the action part of the story and forget that their speed needs to match the story and Jonas definitely knows exactly when to do that. Amazing!
Wow. Lars definitely did it again! I absolutely loved the first book in Michael Chase series but find Blown Circuit to be his best work yet. With amazing writing, he brings to life more adventures and dangerous situations where Michael can find himself out of with his incredible mind. Every situation is so descriptive, the reader finds himself caught in the middle of it, not being able to put this book down.
Audiobook Notes: Amazing performance by Russell Jonas! I could not have picked a more perfect narrator for Michael Chase story and definitely think that he brings a lot to the table with his voice. Sometimes narrators tend to overlook the action part of the story and forget that their speed needs to match the story and Jonas definitely knows exactly when to do that. Amazing!
February 10, 2020
Michael Chase, a US spy, is sent to Turkey to pose as a mole for the Turkish government. He reveals long-hidden ancient weapons that, in the wrong hands, will destroy the US or other countries. Fast paced, thriller. Two women--who is telling the truth?? I rate this a 4.9.
October 3, 2024
a decent thriller
This is a thriller that starts well, gets laborious in the middle with a good climax. Some of the storytelling is disjointed and loses plot a bit. Michael Chase is a hero who cannot do any wrong and has been well developed character over the two books.
This is a thriller that starts well, gets laborious in the middle with a good climax. Some of the storytelling is disjointed and loses plot a bit. Michael Chase is a hero who cannot do any wrong and has been well developed character over the two books.
July 23, 2016
I’ll admit I was very excited to see this audio book after finishing the first book in the series, Lethal Circuit. But initially I wasn’t sure if I would listen to it or not. Yes, I wanted to know what would happen next but what kept me from instantly rushing to listen was worry over the narrator. Then I found out there was a new narrator for this book and most of my worries went away.
As soon as I started listening to this audio book I could tell it was going to be good. Though I was thrown for a loop right away as well. The book was written in first person, where as the previous novel was done in third person. It took me several chapters to get used to this shift in perspective, however the further into the story I got I realized that I actually enjoyed it being written this way. Being done in first person really gives the reader/listener a better view of what is happening in the story and a deeper look into who Michael is and what it takes him to overcome the odds he is facing to try to save the day again. I think this style of writing also brought a smoother feel to the story. It’s true I would have liked to have seen a more in depth look at some of the new and recurring characters, however it was only a minor thing to not know what a character was thinking at a particular moment in the book.
As with the previous novel there was a lot of action in this book and that along with the quick paced, well-flowing story line I found myself listening to hours of this at a time but it only feeling like a few minutes had gone by. There is a nice mix of action as well, from fist fights, gun battles, speeding boats, explosions, dangerous climbing and so much more. Without this the book would have lacked a lot of it’s heart and soul, and I’m glad for the large amount of action from page one all the way to the final page.
There was a great mix of characters in this book. Along with some recurring characters, some of who were less expected than others, there was also a good amount of new characters as well. Of course as each character is introduced I was trying to figure out who they truly were and how they would affect the story as it progress. Some of the guesses that I made were accurate, while others were well off their mark.
I have to say that the narrator, Russel Jonas, did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. He did real well with putting the various emotions Michael was feeling into the story, the rhythm he set as he read really brought the actions scenes truly to life. Since my main worry over this book had been about the narrator I was so happy when this new narrator worked out and really helped this story become what it was.
As for things I didn’t like about the book, well there weren’t many of them. The first one was the shift from third to first person. While it didn’t bother me in the end so much I feel that at least for consistency wise in the series I would have liked to see the story remain in the third person perspective. This small detail wasn’t a deal breaker for me, but being thrown off at the beginning having assumed it would be in third person because of the previous book led the a small amount of distraction from the story. The second thing I didn’t like was how things became a bit too predictable, especially in the second half of the book. I was a bit disappointed to see a few too many things coming but mainly to see Michael fall for nearly the same things he did in the previous book. I honestly wanted to yell at him, pointing out the obvious mistakes he was making but more so that he made those same mistakes only days ago (since this book happens a few days after the end of Lethal Circuit). However, it’s these stupid mistakes that he makes that also gives Michael that realistic feel to him. He is a flawed character, he makes mistakes, sometimes makes the same one twice, and yet he learns from others. The fact that he isn’t a perfect character brings an appeal to listening to this book.
Overall I thought this book was really good, not great like I was hoping for but really good. I think those who enjoyed the previous book as well as those who like action and thriller novels will enjoy this book and I look forward to seeing future books in this series.
As soon as I started listening to this audio book I could tell it was going to be good. Though I was thrown for a loop right away as well. The book was written in first person, where as the previous novel was done in third person. It took me several chapters to get used to this shift in perspective, however the further into the story I got I realized that I actually enjoyed it being written this way. Being done in first person really gives the reader/listener a better view of what is happening in the story and a deeper look into who Michael is and what it takes him to overcome the odds he is facing to try to save the day again. I think this style of writing also brought a smoother feel to the story. It’s true I would have liked to have seen a more in depth look at some of the new and recurring characters, however it was only a minor thing to not know what a character was thinking at a particular moment in the book.
As with the previous novel there was a lot of action in this book and that along with the quick paced, well-flowing story line I found myself listening to hours of this at a time but it only feeling like a few minutes had gone by. There is a nice mix of action as well, from fist fights, gun battles, speeding boats, explosions, dangerous climbing and so much more. Without this the book would have lacked a lot of it’s heart and soul, and I’m glad for the large amount of action from page one all the way to the final page.
There was a great mix of characters in this book. Along with some recurring characters, some of who were less expected than others, there was also a good amount of new characters as well. Of course as each character is introduced I was trying to figure out who they truly were and how they would affect the story as it progress. Some of the guesses that I made were accurate, while others were well off their mark.
I have to say that the narrator, Russel Jonas, did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. He did real well with putting the various emotions Michael was feeling into the story, the rhythm he set as he read really brought the actions scenes truly to life. Since my main worry over this book had been about the narrator I was so happy when this new narrator worked out and really helped this story become what it was.
As for things I didn’t like about the book, well there weren’t many of them. The first one was the shift from third to first person. While it didn’t bother me in the end so much I feel that at least for consistency wise in the series I would have liked to see the story remain in the third person perspective. This small detail wasn’t a deal breaker for me, but being thrown off at the beginning having assumed it would be in third person because of the previous book led the a small amount of distraction from the story. The second thing I didn’t like was how things became a bit too predictable, especially in the second half of the book. I was a bit disappointed to see a few too many things coming but mainly to see Michael fall for nearly the same things he did in the previous book. I honestly wanted to yell at him, pointing out the obvious mistakes he was making but more so that he made those same mistakes only days ago (since this book happens a few days after the end of Lethal Circuit). However, it’s these stupid mistakes that he makes that also gives Michael that realistic feel to him. He is a flawed character, he makes mistakes, sometimes makes the same one twice, and yet he learns from others. The fact that he isn’t a perfect character brings an appeal to listening to this book.
Overall I thought this book was really good, not great like I was hoping for but really good. I think those who enjoyed the previous book as well as those who like action and thriller novels will enjoy this book and I look forward to seeing future books in this series.
March 20, 2013
I am new to this series, and read this before I knew it was the second in a series. I am sort of OCD, so I like to read them in order, but this book was fully able to stand alone without the back story from Volume 1. I thoroughly enjoyed it, I am a fan of Thriller/Suspense novels, so I will be getting Volume 1 on my Kindle too. The story is set in Istanbul Turkey, and it opens in a dramatic way that really grabs you. It lets you know you are in for a wild adventure with Michael Chase! There is so much excitement and action in this story, that it was hard for me to put it down. I made the mistake of starting it on my Kindle while in a Dr's waiting room, and when she came in, I didn't want to pause in the story, I wanted to keep reading! Once I was home, I immediately picked it back up, and I was engaged with the story until I finished it. This is definitely one to start when you have plenty of time to read. It's not that the story is hard to keep up with, it's more that it's so engaging that you don't want to be interrupted :) I never want to give too much of the story away, it's so much fun discovering it for yourself, but I will say that there is a plot twist that I did not see coming. Since I read so many books in this genre, I am usually pretty good at predicting what's coming next, but not with this one, it got me! It's definitely full of action and adventure with lots of mystery and suspense thrown in.
I can't wait for the third installment, preferably more. This story didn't really "end" it was more "To be Continued" I really enjoy long term stories with the same main characters. With each installment you get to know the characters a little better, and can sometimes predict what their reactions to certain scenarios will be, which takes the joy of going on a journey with them to an entirely new place.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary PDF copy of this book in exchange for offering my honest thoughts and opinions on it. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any manner.
I can't wait for the third installment, preferably more. This story didn't really "end" it was more "To be Continued" I really enjoy long term stories with the same main characters. With each installment you get to know the characters a little better, and can sometimes predict what their reactions to certain scenarios will be, which takes the joy of going on a journey with them to an entirely new place.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary PDF copy of this book in exchange for offering my honest thoughts and opinions on it. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any manner.
April 27, 2014
This series has become a great way for me to step out of my comfort zone and away from my usual genres. Spy thrillers are generally not my thing, but with this series, the combination of excellent writing and skilled narration is proving to be quite irresistible.
While he was in China searching for his father, Michael Chase’s numerous talents have been recognized by his father’s agency, the CIA. He has been recruited and trained in an accelerated process and now he is, once again, following his father’s clues, albeit with the agency’s support.
This time, Michael travels to Istanbul to fight a terrorist group intent on using one of Nikola Tesla’s devices to hold the world hostage. The pacing of this book is relentless. Michael jumps from one dangerous situation straight into the next, leaving the reader no time to breathe at all. And yet, Lars Guignard leads us through numerous plot twists quite skillfully, never allowing confusion to join us on our journey.
I’m generally uncomfortable when the audio narrator changes in the middle of a series, but this time, the change was for the better. I enjoyed Ben Sullivan’s narration of the previous book, but Russell Jonas gives Michael and extra something that simply wasn’t there before. His uses his calm, no-nonsense voice to deliver the never-ending action scenes and bring them to life, crystal clear in the listener’s mind. Since this is his narrating debut, I hope he’ll prove to be versatile enough and transfer the same skill to other genres. I’d be very happy to buy books narrated by him in the future.
I’ll certainly be going back to this series when the opportunity arises. It has become a favorite of mine even after the first book, but Blown Circuit succeeded in cementing my affection for Michael and his story. I just hope the audio publisher will keep Jonas on as the narrator.
While he was in China searching for his father, Michael Chase’s numerous talents have been recognized by his father’s agency, the CIA. He has been recruited and trained in an accelerated process and now he is, once again, following his father’s clues, albeit with the agency’s support.
This time, Michael travels to Istanbul to fight a terrorist group intent on using one of Nikola Tesla’s devices to hold the world hostage. The pacing of this book is relentless. Michael jumps from one dangerous situation straight into the next, leaving the reader no time to breathe at all. And yet, Lars Guignard leads us through numerous plot twists quite skillfully, never allowing confusion to join us on our journey.
I’m generally uncomfortable when the audio narrator changes in the middle of a series, but this time, the change was for the better. I enjoyed Ben Sullivan’s narration of the previous book, but Russell Jonas gives Michael and extra something that simply wasn’t there before. His uses his calm, no-nonsense voice to deliver the never-ending action scenes and bring them to life, crystal clear in the listener’s mind. Since this is his narrating debut, I hope he’ll prove to be versatile enough and transfer the same skill to other genres. I’d be very happy to buy books narrated by him in the future.
I’ll certainly be going back to this series when the opportunity arises. It has become a favorite of mine even after the first book, but Blown Circuit succeeded in cementing my affection for Michael and his story. I just hope the audio publisher will keep Jonas on as the narrator.
April 11, 2013
Mike is a new kid on the block at the CIA. This puts him in a perfect position to help when his dad disappears & is believed to have been abducted.
Finding him won’t be easy. Hidden clues & deciphering codes are his best chance. Time isn’t on his side. Amid explosions, betrayal, & attempt murder, Mike has to persevere for his father’s sake.
To make matters worse, The Green Dragons, those allegedly responsible for his dad’s kidnapping, may now have a weapon of mass destruction in their possession. If they don’t already, they will soon. Speculation abounds that they’ll be targeting the US. How Mike’s Dad fits in is part of the mystery. Can Mike defy the odds & pull it all together in time?
‘Blown Circuit’ is a fabulous ride. History & mystery blend together in a powerful formula. Having read a previous title (Zoe & Zak & The Ghost Leopard) by Mr. Guignard, I knew he was a talented writer. But, ‘Blown Circuit’ exceeded my expectations & proved our author has no difficulty crossing genres.
Mike is a powerful, intelligent hero. Although he’s a risk-taker, they’re calculated risks. Mr. Guignard gives credit to his readers’ intelligence by not just giving us clues, but showing us the problem solving techniques used to figure them out. How refreshing! It’s brilliant really.
If you are a fan of either Dan Brown or Ian Fleming, you’ll not want to pass up ‘Blown Circuit’. With a bright, fast-paced plot & superb characters, ‘Blown Circuit’ is a five star read. Be prepared to read it in one sitting. Very well done & I look forward to many more like it from Lars Guignard.
I received 1 eBook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
Finding him won’t be easy. Hidden clues & deciphering codes are his best chance. Time isn’t on his side. Amid explosions, betrayal, & attempt murder, Mike has to persevere for his father’s sake.
To make matters worse, The Green Dragons, those allegedly responsible for his dad’s kidnapping, may now have a weapon of mass destruction in their possession. If they don’t already, they will soon. Speculation abounds that they’ll be targeting the US. How Mike’s Dad fits in is part of the mystery. Can Mike defy the odds & pull it all together in time?
‘Blown Circuit’ is a fabulous ride. History & mystery blend together in a powerful formula. Having read a previous title (Zoe & Zak & The Ghost Leopard) by Mr. Guignard, I knew he was a talented writer. But, ‘Blown Circuit’ exceeded my expectations & proved our author has no difficulty crossing genres.
Mike is a powerful, intelligent hero. Although he’s a risk-taker, they’re calculated risks. Mr. Guignard gives credit to his readers’ intelligence by not just giving us clues, but showing us the problem solving techniques used to figure them out. How refreshing! It’s brilliant really.
If you are a fan of either Dan Brown or Ian Fleming, you’ll not want to pass up ‘Blown Circuit’. With a bright, fast-paced plot & superb characters, ‘Blown Circuit’ is a five star read. Be prepared to read it in one sitting. Very well done & I look forward to many more like it from Lars Guignard.
I received 1 eBook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
October 28, 2013
At first, I didn't think I was going to enjoy this book. It's written in first person, which I can sometimes find annoying. Also, it started off using technical terms that I didn't know for boats. Most of them are instinctual if you have ever seen a boat, so that wasn't too distracting. The action moves quickly and draws you in to the story. After the first chapter, I was hooked and had decided that I was going to really like the story.
There are so many twists in this book that I was tempted to take notes! That is not a bad thing at all. Every time I thought that I had the story figured out, then BAM! another plot twist. By the end of the book I was on the edge of my seat, reading quickly, waiting to see what would happen next.
You just can never tell who is friend and who is foe in this book. The main character is constantly having to watch his back or get stabbed in it. As soon as he gets out of one mess he is in another. Talk about frying pans and fire! There is a lot of action in this book, with explosions, chases, shooting, stabbing, fighting, and more! There is never a dull moment in Blown Circuit.
Now I really need to read the book that came before this! Lars Guignard is a very talented writer that creates a world of intrigue that really draws you in until you feel like it is you that is battling for your life.
I recommend this book to anyone that likes a good pulse pounding, action packed mystery.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in order to review it. Regardless, all opinions are my own and were in no way influenced. I was not required to leave a positive review.
There are so many twists in this book that I was tempted to take notes! That is not a bad thing at all. Every time I thought that I had the story figured out, then BAM! another plot twist. By the end of the book I was on the edge of my seat, reading quickly, waiting to see what would happen next.
You just can never tell who is friend and who is foe in this book. The main character is constantly having to watch his back or get stabbed in it. As soon as he gets out of one mess he is in another. Talk about frying pans and fire! There is a lot of action in this book, with explosions, chases, shooting, stabbing, fighting, and more! There is never a dull moment in Blown Circuit.
Now I really need to read the book that came before this! Lars Guignard is a very talented writer that creates a world of intrigue that really draws you in until you feel like it is you that is battling for your life.
I recommend this book to anyone that likes a good pulse pounding, action packed mystery.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in order to review it. Regardless, all opinions are my own and were in no way influenced. I was not required to leave a positive review.
May 4, 2014
An exciting espionage story with a distinct political slant, this was quite the adventure. Taking place mostly in Turkey, this story is a nonstop thriller.
Similar to the first story, there is a lot of political and historical information which I found myself a little lost following. But the action more than makes up for it as the plots rolls by super fast with lots of twists, turns and surprises. It’s not really necessary to completely understand the political aspects to enjoy the urgency of the book.
I listened to the audiobook version, and this is definitely the way to go. Unlike the first book, the audiobook production really enhanced the story. Not only did the voice fit Michael’s personality, but I don’t think I’ve listened to a more involved narrator. The excitement and energy that the narrator brought made the story that much more harrowing. It’s obvious that the narrator got sucked into the story and the enthusiasm that he brought to the production was incredible.
Overall, this was a very action-packed thriller whose political content may be a bit sensitive for some readers. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story, although there were a lot fewer reveals and series advancements than in the first book. The audiobook production added a great layer to the story, and I’d recommend going that route if you plan to read the book.
Similar to the first story, there is a lot of political and historical information which I found myself a little lost following. But the action more than makes up for it as the plots rolls by super fast with lots of twists, turns and surprises. It’s not really necessary to completely understand the political aspects to enjoy the urgency of the book.
I listened to the audiobook version, and this is definitely the way to go. Unlike the first book, the audiobook production really enhanced the story. Not only did the voice fit Michael’s personality, but I don’t think I’ve listened to a more involved narrator. The excitement and energy that the narrator brought made the story that much more harrowing. It’s obvious that the narrator got sucked into the story and the enthusiasm that he brought to the production was incredible.
Overall, this was a very action-packed thriller whose political content may be a bit sensitive for some readers. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story, although there were a lot fewer reveals and series advancements than in the first book. The audiobook production added a great layer to the story, and I’d recommend going that route if you plan to read the book.
November 17, 2014
Blown Circuit by Lars Guignard ( www.larsguignard.com )
Whew! That was fun :) I'd watch the movies! There's a wonderful variety in Hollywood these days of both men and women actors. I'd love to see some who haven't been lead in all the big movies already (which is why I am not a casting director) ;) They (casting staff) don't get near enough recognition ;) Ha! Sorry, I digress...
Oh those women! I liked them both ;) I can't believe… lol, no spoilers here!
I loved Michael!! Honestly, poor guy. Next book I'm going to take notes on how much sleep he gets. And injuries too :) Even his interaction with a couple of the questionable guys made me chuckle (Faruk, chipped tooth guy). I'm going to have to see about getting the first book now and all that follow. Though it can be read as a stand alone.
I recommend this to anyone who likes non-stop action, spy, save the whatever (world, city, etc. - all in a days work) hero...James Bond, Jason Bourne, Jack Reacher, etc. This guy, Michael Chase, is just a rookie too so he can only get better (one hopes:) He is one lucky guy! I really enjoyed this book. Please keep writing!
I received this book from the author after being selected as a winner in the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. Thank you! The review above is my honest opinion of this book and has not been influenced in any way by anything other than the content of the story.
Whew! That was fun :) I'd watch the movies! There's a wonderful variety in Hollywood these days of both men and women actors. I'd love to see some who haven't been lead in all the big movies already (which is why I am not a casting director) ;) They (casting staff) don't get near enough recognition ;) Ha! Sorry, I digress...
Oh those women! I liked them both ;) I can't believe… lol, no spoilers here!
I loved Michael!! Honestly, poor guy. Next book I'm going to take notes on how much sleep he gets. And injuries too :) Even his interaction with a couple of the questionable guys made me chuckle (Faruk, chipped tooth guy). I'm going to have to see about getting the first book now and all that follow. Though it can be read as a stand alone.
I recommend this to anyone who likes non-stop action, spy, save the whatever (world, city, etc. - all in a days work) hero...James Bond, Jason Bourne, Jack Reacher, etc. This guy, Michael Chase, is just a rookie too so he can only get better (one hopes:) He is one lucky guy! I really enjoyed this book. Please keep writing!
I received this book from the author after being selected as a winner in the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. Thank you! The review above is my honest opinion of this book and has not been influenced in any way by anything other than the content of the story.
February 10, 2013
Blown Circuit is the second book of the Michael Chase series by Lars Guignard and I just want to say that if you liked the first book; Lethal Circuit this book will totally blow you away! The series just captured every intense nerve in my body, it totally rocked my face off with the amazing weaving of character and plot. The twist just got the best of me, I was not expecting it and it got me reading and reading until the end. If you haven't read the first book I'm suggesting that you read it as soon as possible because you are definitely missing an action packed kick ass book in here. The book picked up where the first book left off and it just continued its awesomeness. I was gasping and holding on my seat while I was reading this book, I've never read anything like this before it's just amazing how the author wrote this with such fluid lines and plot. I was captured with every lines and action this book has and oh boy am I joking when I say I got overwhelmed with the amazing action-adventure this book has to offer. The series is just amazing and I'm definitely recommending you to read this book if you read the first one this one is way better, if you haven't read the first one pick it up! you won't get disappointed one bit!
September 12, 2014
I offered to read and review this however, I didn't realize it was book 1. It throw me a bit as I like to read books in order. I do feel I got a bit lost in some parts having not read book 1. But I managed it and enjoyed it.
Michael Chase is searching for his father [apt name I thought]
There was a lot of action, but some of it was just not real to me. I thought it was just a little too over done.
Lots of deaths. I mean, lots of deaths.
I did enjoy the read, the authors writes well, but my personal opinion is that its just a little bit over the top in some areas. I love excitement and action and books to flow, which this did, but as I keep saying, its just that little bit too much which spoilt it for me, that is why I gave it 4/5 stars.
The bit where Mike was buried alive is where I sat on the edge of my seat, this was so detailed I could actual visualize it myself and felt quite suffocated by reading it all, I didn't know I was holding my breathe until I breathed out suddenly and shocked myself!
There are plenty of bits I loved in this book equally, and just the mentioned above bits which put me off.
On the whole? Very good author, and yes, I certainly would read one of his books again.
Michael Chase is searching for his father [apt name I thought]
There was a lot of action, but some of it was just not real to me. I thought it was just a little too over done.
Lots of deaths. I mean, lots of deaths.
I did enjoy the read, the authors writes well, but my personal opinion is that its just a little bit over the top in some areas. I love excitement and action and books to flow, which this did, but as I keep saying, its just that little bit too much which spoilt it for me, that is why I gave it 4/5 stars.
The bit where Mike was buried alive is where I sat on the edge of my seat, this was so detailed I could actual visualize it myself and felt quite suffocated by reading it all, I didn't know I was holding my breathe until I breathed out suddenly and shocked myself!
There are plenty of bits I loved in this book equally, and just the mentioned above bits which put me off.
On the whole? Very good author, and yes, I certainly would read one of his books again.
October 8, 2013
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. In Blown Circuit, Michael Chase continues his search for his father. Apparently, his father has been somehow able to contact the CIA. He first mission was a set of coordinates that sends him to Turkey on a ship set to explode. There he realizes nothing is what it seems. He leaves the school with a clue, which sends him on an adventure to find a devastatingly destructive device originally created by Nikola Tesla. Who can he trust? Will he find his dad or the device before it's too late?
I'd read and enjoyed Lars Guignard''s Zak and Zoe Adventures Series. So, when I was offered the chance to get review Blown Circuit, I jumped at the opportunity. Once again, Mr. Guignard does not disappoint. The descriptions of the areas were so fantastic that you feel like you're right there. The characters were extremely believable and plausible; you could feel Michael's anxiety as he raced against time to understand his father's clues. This was an edge of your seat, action packed thriller; one I'm sure everyone will enjoy!!
I'd read and enjoyed Lars Guignard''s Zak and Zoe Adventures Series. So, when I was offered the chance to get review Blown Circuit, I jumped at the opportunity. Once again, Mr. Guignard does not disappoint. The descriptions of the areas were so fantastic that you feel like you're right there. The characters were extremely believable and plausible; you could feel Michael's anxiety as he raced against time to understand his father's clues. This was an edge of your seat, action packed thriller; one I'm sure everyone will enjoy!!
April 30, 2014
I received this on audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Like Lethal Circuit, there was incredible action which kept me engaged. Michael never knows who he can trust and what’s going to happen. I admit I paid closer attention this time to the characters, the people Michael met and the places he visited. I knew I had to be on my game because at some point, those little details would become important pieces in the puzzle. Still, I can’t say the story was ever predictable, Michael has a knack for getting into impossible situations.
I enjoy reading books set in other cultures and was pleasantly surprised to learn more about Istanbul and Turkey.
See Mom's Small Victories for my more detailed review, what I learned about Turkey for my Around the World in 80 Books Challenge and leave your thoughts about whether you have a different standard for suspending disbelief in a spy novel versus a spy movie.
Like Lethal Circuit, there was incredible action which kept me engaged. Michael never knows who he can trust and what’s going to happen. I admit I paid closer attention this time to the characters, the people Michael met and the places he visited. I knew I had to be on my game because at some point, those little details would become important pieces in the puzzle. Still, I can’t say the story was ever predictable, Michael has a knack for getting into impossible situations.
I enjoy reading books set in other cultures and was pleasantly surprised to learn more about Istanbul and Turkey.
See Mom's Small Victories for my more detailed review, what I learned about Turkey for my Around the World in 80 Books Challenge and leave your thoughts about whether you have a different standard for suspending disbelief in a spy novel versus a spy movie.
February 27, 2013
Michael Chase is an independent CIA contractor searching for his father (a theme continued from the first book in the series, Lethal Circuit). He arrives in Turkey, narrowly escapes a bomb and then must find an ultra-destructive device before a group of terrorists. Michael is a fearless hero who finds himself in over his head on many occasions as he is tossed from one life-threatening situation to the next. His quick thinking and a good dose of luck help him through. I really wanted to get to know him better as there was little information to make me really get inside his head. Lars Guignard has a real knack for packing action and adventure into a book. The twists and turns are plentiful, unexpected and keep on coming. Tension is prevalent throughout and the plot keeps moving with mini-cliffhangers appearing at the end of most chapters. If you like spy thrillers where there is constant danger and non-stop action, then this is the book for you.
April 15, 2013
This is part of a series and there was no ending. That cost the book 1 star.
There was almost too much action, and it did not seem real to me. The number of deaths also added to my dislike pile.
However the book was well written, and I enjoyed it. The "device" was missing for 60 years, what is the importance of finding it now? With all the action in the book, I thought that there would be a better ending.
Michael was a great character to like, he has so many enemies that I found myself rooting for him to beat them. He had a hard time deciding who to trust, for good reason, and for the sake of the world he better make up his mind in time. The author did a great job creating these characters, and maybe if I read the first book then maybe I would have gotten more out of this book.
I am giving this book a 3/5. I was given a copy to review by orangeberry book tours, however all opinions are my own!
There was almost too much action, and it did not seem real to me. The number of deaths also added to my dislike pile.
However the book was well written, and I enjoyed it. The "device" was missing for 60 years, what is the importance of finding it now? With all the action in the book, I thought that there would be a better ending.
Michael was a great character to like, he has so many enemies that I found myself rooting for him to beat them. He had a hard time deciding who to trust, for good reason, and for the sake of the world he better make up his mind in time. The author did a great job creating these characters, and maybe if I read the first book then maybe I would have gotten more out of this book.
I am giving this book a 3/5. I was given a copy to review by orangeberry book tours, however all opinions are my own!
April 30, 2014
Blown Circuit by Lars Guignard is the second book in his thrilling Circuit Series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first, Lethal Circuit, and couldn't wait to continue Michael's story in Blown Circuit. Lars Guignard has written another fantastic spy thriller. The action and adventure never stop! Michael is an enjoyable character and I am glad his story is a series. Blown Circuit has a different narrator than the first book in the series. I think that Russell did a great job narrating the story. It felt smooth to listen to and he easily transported me into Michael's world.
Blown Circuit by Lars Guignard is a well-written thriller. The narrator tells the story perfectly. Well worth the read, and definitely the listen. :)
I received a complimentary audiobook from the author for review purposes. This did not influence my review in any way.
Blown Circuit by Lars Guignard is a well-written thriller. The narrator tells the story perfectly. Well worth the read, and definitely the listen. :)
I received a complimentary audiobook from the author for review purposes. This did not influence my review in any way.
April 29, 2014
I would have to say this book was a fair amount better than its predecessor, Lethal Circuit. It took an interesting turn moving to first person to give you a bit more insight into Michael's character. This is a fun spy thriller that keeps you guessing through twists and turns. The narrator does a good job with the story as well. I would recommend it! 3.5 out of 5 stars
(*Note* I received a review copy of the audio version of this book in exchange for a review -- my opinions are solely based on my thoughts of the story and I was asked for my honest opinion, which I have provided)
(*Note* I received a review copy of the audio version of this book in exchange for a review -- my opinions are solely based on my thoughts of the story and I was asked for my honest opinion, which I have provided)
October 5, 2013
CIA, MIT, The Green Dragons, All organisations and all after one thing, The Tesla Device. Each organisation has their own plans for when they find it but most for no good. Located in Istanbul, Turkey, Michael Chase, a member of the CIA is found looking for the Tesla Device but also searching for his father. Befriending Meryem they start working together to locate the same thing but is she who she says she is? And can Michael deal with some revelations?
A fast pacing action thriller that kept me on my toes throughout. Just one more chapter I kept saying to myself and ended up finishing the book. This is book 2 of the series but can be read as a stand alone book.
I can see this as a movie.
A fast pacing action thriller that kept me on my toes throughout. Just one more chapter I kept saying to myself and ended up finishing the book. This is book 2 of the series but can be read as a stand alone book.
I can see this as a movie.
November 17, 2014
Have finished "Blown Circuit: A Michael Chase Thriller" by Lars Guignard. This was definitely an edge-of-your seat book, and obviously not the first Michael Chase story. There is a back story going on here that, while the book does stand alone, you miss nuances if you haven't read those that came before. I don't know, at this point, how many came before, but plan to find out. In the end, he "wins" so far as the case at hand is concerned, but the back story is still in the air. I would recommend that you discover the book(s) that came before and read in order. Most definitely worth the read!
September 30, 2013
Blown Circuit is not a genre I would normally choose to read, with that said though I got really into it. The main character is Michael Chase who is a spy. His is on his next mission to find the Tesla device, but on his mission he meets other groups who are also wanting the device for their own agendas and they will not let him stop them.
with near death experiences, adventure, thriller and the whole James Bond style it makes for a great read and I really enjoyed it.
with near death experiences, adventure, thriller and the whole James Bond style it makes for a great read and I really enjoyed it.
March 1, 2013
Michael Chase has more lives than a cat! Lars Guignard takes us on another adventure of Michael searching for his father. Suspense and secret agents abound with plenty of action. An enjoyable book, recommend reading Lethal Circuit first.
June 22, 2013
I hate books with no ending. Don't authors know we read for the ultimate climax and not to just keep buying their books? It's a turn off and make me avoid the author, even if the book is free. This would have been a good read, if it had a ending.
October 25, 2013
Another action packed book. I didn't like it as much as "Lethal Circuit" but overall I thought it was a good book. I think it would be cool if Mike could spend less time getting shot, stabbed, blown up, etc. and more time gettin' the girl.
January 4, 2014
I believe this was much better than the first book in the series. The characters and plot seemed to be better thought out. I always like books that reference Tesla and his inventions. Looking forward to the next in the series.
April 14, 2013
Another Fast paced adventure. enjoyed reading. acquired through Amazon Prime so the price was right. Looking forward to Michael Chase #3
May 19, 2013
I liked the first book much better!!!
This was a good read. I do hope there is a follow-up book!
This was a good read. I do hope there is a follow-up book!
Read
December 20, 2013If you like lee child
January 7, 2014
Lots of action. I will read the first book.
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