Drone

The Gift #2

by Marc Stapleton

After a cataclysmic end to his time as a freedom fighter, Kris finds himself captured, blindfolded, and awaiting a bullet. He comes to believe this may be it – his end is near - only to discover his kidnappers are fellow Americans.

It’s soon revealed that the CIA has monitored him for a while, and after quickly learning of his misdeeds in Aljarran, they capture him before the nation’s warring factions can, only to throw him in a black site prison. They know nothing of his true powers, but find him - and the stories of his heroics - intriguing nonetheless…

Kris soon learns that they wish to make him an offer. They tell him they’ll release him on one that he assassinates a disloyal former agent, a man who betrayed his former friends to become a big time player in the South American drug trade…

However, with the ghosts of Aljarran still haunting him, will Kris become the CIA’s monster for hire?

Genres: Science Fiction

474 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 5, 2023

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Drone" by Marc Stapleton is the gripping 2nd addition to "The Gift" series, showcasing a seamless fusion of espionage, action, and science fiction. Narrated by Andrew Tell, this audiobook takes listeners on a thrilling journey through the psyche of Kris Chambers, an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

Plot Overview
The story begins where the 1st book left off, with Kris Chambers, who once led a mundane life until a series of cataclysmic events transformed him into a freedom fighter. Now, Kris finds himself blindfolded and captured, awaiting what he believes to be his imminent end. However, he soon discovers that his captors are not what they seem — they are fellow Americans.

As the plot unfolds, it's revealed that the CIA has been monitoring Kris for a considerable time and, after learning about his heroic deeds in Aljarran, capture him before the nation's warring factions can get to him. They lock him away in a secret prison, intrigued by his abilities. Kris then faces a dire dilemma: will he accept the CIA's offer to free him in exchange for carrying out a high-stakes assassination against a former agent who betrayed his comrades to become a key player in the South American drug trade?

Key Highlights
1. Immersive World-Building: Stapleton masterfully crafts a world that feels both vast and intimate. His attention to detail creates a vivid backdrop that serves as the perfect stage for Kris's journey.

2. Character Development: Kris Chambers is a complex protagonist whose evolution from a regular individual to a reluctant hero is portrayed with nuance. His internal conflicts and moral quandaries add depth to the narrative, making his choices feel consequential and real.

3. Narration: Andrew Tell's narration brings the characters to life, infusing each scene with emotion and authenticity. His ability to convey tension, urgency, and introspection enhances the overall listening experience.

4. Themes and Motifs: The audiobook explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the psychological toll of warfare. Kris's interactions with various characters shed light on the human condition, particularly in high-stress, morally ambiguous situations. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is introduced as Kris's actions start to catch up with him, and he begins to experience flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and uncontrolled thoughts about his recent war-time actions.

5. Pacing and Suspense: The story maintains a brisk pace, balancing action sequences with introspective moments. This ensures that listeners are constantly engaged, eager to find out what happens next.

Conclusion
"Drone" stands out as a remarkable audiobook that combines elements of espionage, science fiction, and personal drama into a cohesive and engrossing tale. Marc Stapleton’s storytelling, coupled with Andrew Tell’s excellent narration, well-developed characters, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes, makes this an engaging listen.

[Leslie Baptiste · Rating 4 out of 5]

The MC is still immature and silly at best, needs to grow up.

The story is very interesting, but I do not see where the superhero comes in to it. The MC is silly and immature at Best. For example, why is he looking down at his finger during a fire fight? I personally would like to see the characters personality change and grow for him to stop acting like a child or a teenager and act like a grown man there skills he needs and he should learn them or ask to be taught them. I think this would make the story even more interesting but I’m going on to read the third book in the series and that will determine if I’m going to continue the series.

[Ford Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Has issues but the story is fresh and fun.

This book started slow, trying to set its plotline... But the overall story is good and interesting. The main character is self aware of his stupidness and that helps when bad logic scenes happen, because they happen a lot. It didn't really have much plot in this second book but felt like a set up for a much larger storyline.
That said, it's enjoyable and fun, good dialogue and reads at a mostly fast pace. Look forward to reading next in series

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still grim, but Kris goes on…

Kris Chambers is improving in a few crucial categories while still being a long way away from being the glib, smooth talker who he wishes he was.

After his assignment in the Middle East he winds up being forced into a nearly unsurvivable situation that has some similarities to his previous assignment. His ability to survive multiple gunshot wounds and traumatic amputations is growing, right along with his cynicism. We have yet to see where the future takes him.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

gold isn’t only a commodity

How the white dude thought it was important to meltdown a whole continent history into little ingots and give out the ingots instead of the actual artist work of the indigenous people. So he thought his idea to fix the poor of a country was his job and he could do it alone. So he was broken in so many ways but he isn’t the main character. The main character … a dude from the US he has a lot of British colloquialisms.

[Colby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the premise of the books & I will keep reading them. I do wish there was a bit more description on setting & character growth. Maybe that will come with future installments. I’d say they’re similar to an untrained unhealthy kid being turned into Jack Reacher with nanobots or the Jedi stuff that made up the force….can’t remember their name lol.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just can’t stop myself

I bought Drone as soon as I finished the first book in the series. I’ve now bought the third. Marc Stapleton has created a fascinating character in Kris Chambers. I just can’t stop myself. The novels are compulsive reading.

[David Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paced well!

Moved well enough to keep my attention. Action scenes fit well in the story. They weren't gratuitous. Action/adventure fans will like this.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

Again, there are a few things that stop this being a 5 star, although this still kinda appeals to me, so I will keep reading the series as I'm curious where this goes.

[Jim Ashbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

drone

Good continuation of the 1st book. The main character is developing into his own man, but expecting a twist especially with Vega!

[Carlos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm good story but kind of weak at the end

Hmmm good story but kind of weak at the
end...I really wish Kris would I don't know grow up I guess.

[W Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading

I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish I gave it 5 stars because it's exactly the type of book that I enjoy

[mark fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

This is a real page turn thriller and I look forward to moving on to kris,s next adventure in book 3